Quinn Estates Steps In To Save Flooded Animal Sanctuary

A Kent animal sanctuary damaged by flooding has been given a new lease of life, thanks to help from Quinn Estates.

Retreat into Wonderland CIC, in Herne Bay, was badly hit by flooding following excessive rainfall at the start of the year, with many of the enclosures left underwater and the clay-soil site was knee-deep in mud in some areas.

On hearing the plight of the volunteer-run sanctuary from Cllr Alan Marsh, leading Kent property developer Quinn Estates stepped into help. CEO Mark Quinn provided a workforce and materials to dramatically improve the site’s drainage and tackle future issues with excessive rainfall.

The Quinn Estates team dug a new pond on the two-acre retreat to accommodate surface water run off, and also improved the ground at the top of the site with new turf and grass seeding to help prevent the clay soil becoming waterlogged in the future. Quinn Estates also donated £1,000 to the sanctuary towards running costs and feed for the animals for the coming months.

Mark Saunders, Technical Director at Quinn Estates, visited the retreat this month to see how the residents were enjoying the new features.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see the hard work paying off on the site, and to see the animals safe and enjoying their new grass area in the beautiful sunshine. The pond is holding water and the grass seed and turf has taken well, and we will review the set up when the wetter weather arrives.

“It really is a privilege to be part of something that will help the community, help the environment and help the animals. Our company has always been invested in helping local projects – our job is to build communities, not just houses. And we are proud to help worthy causes like this.”

Retreat into Wonderland CIC opened five years ago and is now home to more than 200 rescue animals including pigs, ponies, goats, poultry, a donkey, and a llama. It also has an onsite hedgehog hospital, and works with local schools to teach animal husbandry and assist special needs students in learning about animal care.

The retreat is run by volunteer directors Jo Hogbin and Jen Harman.

Jo Hogbin said: “We are very grateful for the hard work from Quinn Estates to help our site and our animals. We are volunteer-led and run, so having this support has made such a difference. The animals love their new grass area!”

As the most proactive mixed-use developer in the South East, Quinn Estates is committed to supporting and enhancing community facilities across the region. Creating a legacy of community improvement is evident in the sports facilities, play areas and open spaces created by the group, alongside its ongoing significant support provided to local groups and charities.

To find out more about supporting Retreat into Wonderland CIC and to donate food or funds, please visit: https://www.retreatintowonderland.com

For more information about Quinn Estates and Quinn Homes, please visit: https://www.quinn-estates.com