Brinsley Animal Rescue

Brinsley Animal Rescue is a volunteer-run charity in Nottinghamshire, founded by lifelong animal lovers Jon Beresford and Bethan Hewis. The couple met in 2001 and began by volunteering with animal charities. Before long, their home was filled with rescued rabbits, wild birds, and hedgehogs. In 2007, they moved to a 4-acre property in Brinsley to formally establish the charity and expand their work to include farm animals as well as domestic pets and wildlife.

Now a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, Brinsley Animal Rescue cares for a wide variety of animals – from unwanted rabbits and guinea pigs to goats, pigs, and ponies that have suffered cruelty or neglect. Where possible, they rehome pets and farm animals, and those who can’t be rehomed are offered lifelong sanctuary. Their dedicated wildlife hospital also treats hundreds of injured wild animals each year with the aim of releasing them back into their natural habitat.

The sanctuary operates across two sites: the original 4-acre base and an additional 18-acre site at Brinsley Hill, both donated by the founders. With no paid staff and many operational costs donated, every penny of the £150,000 they must raise annually goes directly to animal care.