Dame Judi Dench signs petition to save Raystede Aviaries as supporters describe their 'shock' at the plan
Actor and national treasure Dame Judi Dench has shown her support for the campaign to save Raystede’s aviaries by signing the petition on change.org.
Actor and national treasure Dame Judi Dench has shown her support for the campaign to save Raystede’s aviaries by signing the petition on change.org.
The Oscar winner is famously a passionate supporter of animal welfare and is actively involved with a number of conservation charities.
The petition, started last week, has already secured more than 1,200 signatures. Meanwhile volunteers continue to fight for the birds in their care by meeting senior management with cost cutting and fundraising ideas.
The Ringmer based animal charity announced last month that it was facing ‘significant financial challenges’ and one of the ways to save money could be to phase out care for birds.
Jacqueline Ratcliffe, who set up the petition, says: “As a volunteer at Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, I’ve seen first-hand how much this sanctuary means to the parrots who call it home. I know, for more than 40 years, the aviaries have offered space, safety, and lifelong refuge for birds who have already suffered so much.
“Many of these parrots are traumatised and unsuitable for rehoming, and now, as they grow older, the sanctuary is not just a facility—it’s their permanent home, or at least, it has been. Now Raystede are proposing to close the aviaries and move the birds to strange new homes and uncertain futures all over the country!
“Please stand with us and be a voice for these vulnerable, voiceless birds. Sign this petition and help protect their sanctuary home—before it’s too late.”
Supporters are also adding their comments to the petition.
Gill writes: “Raystede absolutely must safeguard these birds for the rest of their natural life in their current environments. Everyone who visits or funds Raystede in any way would expect this. I am personally shocked that moving these vulnerable birds is even being considered.”
A spokesperson for Raystede, said: “Like many charities, we are facing significant financial challenges. We finished the financial year 2025 – 2026 with a deficit of over £1m.
“Despite stringent financial management, our income cannot currently keep up with rising costs – feed, bedding, salaries, veterinary, heating and lighting - many of which are beyond our control. The increasing pressures on the animal welfare sector, especially financial, mean we are not alone in having to adapt and change, but one thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option.
“As part of this review, we are proposing to phase out onsite care for aviary birds and fowl. This reflects long-standing welfare challenges - including the complex needs of many aviary species and prolonged Avian Influenza restrictions, which require all our birds to be confined for around 45% of each year.
“We know that many of our supporters have a deep emotional connection to the birds in our care. We feel that too. This is a significant change and will be undertaken with compassion and careful consideration, with animal welfare at the heart of every decision.”