Raystede:Centre for Animal Welfare


Founded in 1952

Raystede was founded in 1952 by Miss M Raymonde-Hawkins MBE with the aim of preventing and relieving cruelty to animals and to protect them from unnecessary suffering. Following a successful career in education in Sussex Miss Raymonde-Hawkins purchased the present day site of Raystede in the 1930s.

Miss M Raymonde-Hawkins MBE

Devoted to animal welfare

Miss Raymond-Hawkins was always devoted to animal welfare and in the late 1940s decided to provide facilities equal if not better than existing animal charities. In the early days, Raystede operated from her own cottage and adjoining garden.

Respect for animals

Over the years more land was purchased and facilities improved, with kennels and a cattery provided to the highest standards but at welfare rates. From the outset what marked Raystede out from other animal charities was its education role – encouraging people to be aware of the needs of animals and their right to respect. A further defining feature of Raystede now much copied was the first ever animal crematorium – ‘Peaceways’ which opened in 1964.

Raystede today

Today Raystede operates over a 43 acre site, with state of the art facilities for all sorts of animals from birds to small animals, dogs and cats to goats and horses. Visits to Raystede are free, but donations are always welcome. Raystede is a charity (registered charity no. 237696) and relies entirely on voluntary support as they receive no funding from the government or lottery. They are also always looking for volunteers to help in their work. You can find out more about Raystede by visiting their excellent website.

Comments about this page

  • As an expat living in Aus for the last forty odd years. I thought what is a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo doing over there. How did he get there? Every afternoon I get dozens of these burglars wanting a feed. My fault, I started putting some seed out. Smart birds, they ring my wind chime, Hey where’s my tucka?

    By Michael Player (11/10/2011)

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