25 October 2023

Exciting updates for Redwings Aylsham and Redwings Oxhill

A horse looks over the paddocks at Redwings Aylsham.

Exciting announcements!

We’re delighted to announce that the construction of a brand-new woodchip paddock at Redwings Aylsham is about to begin and we can update supporters further on the progress of works at Redwings Oxhill.

Thanks to grant funding from a charitable trust, we will soon be able to provide this additional care facility at Redwings Aylsham which will help our four-legged residents who may need to spend some time away from a grassy paddock.

Currently, those who need additional support for their hooves – particularly in the wetter winter months when the ground becomes softer – or those whose grass intake needs careful monitoring, sometimes have to be transported to other Redwings sanctuary sites where woodchip paddocks are available.

While such a step is always taken with the best interest of the horse in mind, this is obviously something we don’t like to do as we understand how popular our residents at the visitor centres are, and moving horses puts additional pressure on our time and resources.

A new woodchip paddock would ensure that Redwings Aylsham remains a sustainable home for all the horses and donkeys that live there, if and when they ever need that additional support.

To ensure the works can be carried out safely, Redwings Aylsham will be closing its doors to visitors at the end of Monday 30th October, for at least four weeks. This is to allow for the extra vehicle movements, deliveries and the storage of materials that will be needed to build the new paddock. The centre will reopen on Friday 1st December so you can come for coffee and shopping but there will be no access to the paddocks until the works are completed.

However, please rest assured that all the rescued residents living at Redwing Aylsham will continue to receive all the specialist care they need from our equine teams and vets while the centre is closed. They will all be waiting, ready and eager, to receive cuddles from their supporters as soon as our gates open again – plus they’ll have a new woodchip paddock to enjoy in time for Christmas, what a wonderful present!

A digger undertakes improvement works to paddocks at Redwings Oxhill.

Meanwhile, Redwings Oxhill will be reopening its doors to the public on Monday 6^th November whilst renovations to it's equine care and visitor facilities continue.

Over the course of the summer, we have updated our reception building, café and toilets to improve the experience for our visitors and although we still have major works across the site ongoing to update our stables and barns amongst other things, we are now in a position where we can safely reopen a small part of the centre and welcome visitors back.

Only a few paddocks will be accessible for now as work continues, but visitors will be able to say hello to the Shires and a few of their pony friends, as well as browse our gift shop and put their feet up with a hot drink and a slice of cake in our improved café.

We’re very sorry if the temporary closure of Redwings Oxhill, and the impending temporary closure of Redwings Aylsham, have caused any disappointment. Please keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the latest updates and opening times.

Thank you for your support and patience at this time. We are delighted that these vitally important projects which will help the horses and donkeys at Redwings Aylsham and Redwings Oxhill continue to enjoy happy and healthy lives, now and into the future.