The equine welfare charity Redwings has closed its visitor centres in Oxhill, Warwickshire, and Forfar, Angus, with immediate effect due to financial pressures. The closures affect 33 staff members, who have been made redundant. All horses and donkeys from the sites will relocate to the charity's Norfolk facilities.
Redwings confirmed the closures on March 30, following a consultation launched in February. The Oxhill centre, operational for about 20 years, and Redwings Mountains in Forfar, acquired in 2015, were identified as the charity's most expensive sites to maintain given their age, nature, and locations. A total of 21 staff at Oxhill and 12 at Forfar lost their jobs as a result. The charity emphasized that these centres did not handle direct rescues, so the ability to save horses nationwide remains unaffected. CEO Lynn Cutress described the day as 'an incredibly sad day for the charity,' adding that affected staff received wellbeing support and assistance in finding new employment. She thanked them for their dedication. Cutress explained the broader financial strain, noting that rising costs had depleted reserves over the past four years despite a two-year review and external advice. The board concluded that closures were necessary to ensure long-term sustainability for over 1,000 rescued horses in sanctuary care. Norfolk and Essex visitor centres continue operating normally, and Redwings urged ongoing public support through donations amid economic challenges facing many businesses and charities.