Ark on the Edge animal sanctuary to leave its Woodland home due to rent rise fears

FOREVER homes are being sought for about 40 animals after a dale sanctuary announced it had to move and downsize.

Ill health and an anticipated rise in rent has led Ark on the Edge owner Pat Kingsnorth to make the difficult decision to get ready to leave Woolley Hill Farm, in Woodland.

The 40-acre site has been the home of the animal rescue charity for the past 16 years and has developed year on year into an education centre, a wildlife site and more.

However, the charity must now find a new home by October 10. Ms Kingsnorth said: “It is with exceptionally heavy hearts that Ark on the Edge has to announce that, due to the end of our lease here at Woolley Hill, we have to downsize and move premises.

“We have heard that the Raby Estates rents are going to be increased which we are not going to be able to sustain. This decision has been a very hard one and has not been taken lightly. We just can’t do it anymore.”

Raby Estates has been unable to confirm or deny its stance on rent at the time of going to press.

Ms Kingsnorth, who lives on site with her partner Shaun Faulkner, says her failing health is another factor which helped to make up her mind.

Having already had a number of joint replacements, Ms Kingsnorth is awaiting a sixth operation on her shoulder.

She admits that she has had to rely heavily upon the sanctuary’s team of eight regular volunteers as she is no longer able to do all of the work.

Ms Kingsnorth said: “It is very sad. I am very upset about everything. I never thought I would have to do this. It is part of my life.

“I did spend Christmas and new year thinking I am not going to be here this time next year and holding back the tears as so much has been achieved here.

“A lot of work has gone into this place and I would like to thank everyone for everything they have done. We would not be here now if it wasn’t for the volunteers but it is impossible to continue.”

The charity is committed to caring for its animals which currently include foxes, goats, owls, cats and horses to name a few.

Over the years, it has helped to rescue a large number of domestic and wild animals. It has rehomed goats, horses, rabbits, poultry, guinea pigs, cats, kittens, puppies, dogs, fish and reptiles including a memorable 11 feet long python. The charity site relies on donations to cover running costs, which amounted to £30,000 last year.

Ark on the Edge has worked with other animal organisations as well as schools, colleges and vets during its time at Woolley Hill. Group visits from Beavers, Scouts and disabled groups have also been welcomed.

Although Ms Kingsnorth is not sure where she will be relocating to, she is looking to rehome as many of the animals as possible. House checks will apply to ensure that the animals find a home.

She said: “We have no idea where we are going to end up but because of the logistics of everything we are hoping to stay in Teesdale. I would like to see the goats, foxes and birds of prey rehomed but any animals that have not been rehomed will come with me wherever we go. No animals will be put to sleep.

“We will remain a registered charity. We will still need to do fundraising to support the animals that we have left. It depends where we move to if we will still take in animals.

“As it stands at the moment I’m going to have to find somewhere fairly big but not 40 acres like it is here.”

Ms Kingsnorth recalls the charity’s biggest achievement being the £50,000 gained from the People’s Millions which allowed the centre to be created.

She added: “I am truly grateful for everyone’s input over the years.

“As a team we have achieved so much.

“We have to thank all those people who have supported us in lots of ways.

“We hope that will continue for as long as Ark on the Edge remains a registered charity and continues with doing what we do.”

Anyone interested in rehoming an animal should call 01833 630505.