Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of North Wales, Idlewild Animal Sanctuary is more than just a home for animals in need—it’s a sanctuary for both animals and people, fostering compassion, connection, and community spirit. Situated in the Conwy Valley, the sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing environment for rescued animals, while also offering a range of programs aimed at educating and supporting the local community.
What Idlewild Animal Sanctuary Does
Idlewild Animal Sanctuary provide care to a large number of animals within their rescue, rehabilitation, release and rehoming work, in addition to providing a safe haven for animals that need lifelong care. The sanctuary provides them with a second chance, offering everything from emergency veterinary care to a stable and loving environment where they can recover.
But their mission doesn’t stop with the animals. Idlewild offer volunteering opportunities to a large number of local people, many of which have significant additional needs. This opportunity decreases their social exclusion and provides skills for them to maximise their future working choices as well as contributing to their health and wellbeing.
A Boost from the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership Grant
Recently, Idlewild Animal Sanctuary received a much-needed boost in the form of a £1,000 grant from the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership (CRP) Community Resilience Grant. The Grant was made possible thanks to funding received from Transport for Wales Challenge Fund which the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast CRP used to set up a one-off grant to support communities along the railway lines. More about the Community Resilience Grant can be found here.
This funding has already made a significant impact, allowing the sanctuary to expand its offerings and further its mission of both animal welfare and community engagement.
Hand Washing Facilities: Opening Doors for Community Engagement
A portion of the grant was used to install new hand washing facilities on-site, a seemingly small addition that has had a big impact. The new facilities mean the sanctuary can now officially welcome visitors, including local schools, nurseries, and small groups, for educational visits and rehabilitation programs. These hand washing stations were crucial for meeting health and safety standards, allowing Idlewild to open its doors for a broader range of activities.
Small groups like young carers and patients from Bryn Y Neuadd, a local mental health facility, have benefitted from the sanctuary’s therapeutic atmosphere, where interaction with animals promotes relaxation, mental wellbeing, and emotional support. For young carers and individuals in rehabilitation, time spent at the sanctuary can offer a vital respite from daily stresses, providing moments of joy and calm in a tranquil setting.
Volunteer Recognition: Strengthening the Idlewild Community
Another significant use of the grant was the purchase of volunteer kits. Idlewild’s volunteers are the backbone of the sanctuary, contributing their time and energy to care for the animals and assist with the sanctuary’s various programs. To show appreciation for their hard work, the sanctuary invested in uniforms that help volunteers feel like valued members of the team.
This simple but impactful gesture is the first step in Idlewild’s long-term goal of increasing volunteer recognition. The sanctuary hopes that by showing volunteers their work is valued, they can foster a greater sense of community and belonging.
Supporting the Animals: The Heart of the Sanctuary
Lastly, the remaining funds from the grant were allocated to purchasing food for the animals. With a wide variety of animals to care for the sanctuary has an ongoing need for high-quality, nutritious food. The grant has helped ensure that the residents of Idlewild receive the nutrition they need to thrive.
These animals are at the heart of Idlewild’s therapeutic programs, offering a unique and calming presence for visitors, and the sanctuary’s residents play a crucial role in the emotional and mental wellbeing of those who come to Idlewild.
The Future for Idlewild and the Community
Thanks to the support of the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership Community Resilience Grant, Idlewild Animal Sanctuary is now better equipped to serve both animals and people. By creating a safe, welcoming environment for community visits, empowering volunteers, and providing for the nutritional needs of their animal residents, Idlewild continues to make a difference in North Wales.
Idlewild are currently doing a large-scale fundraising campaign as they have been given notice that their lease will not be renewed when it comes to an end in 2026. The sanctuary urgently needs to raise funds to try and buy somewhere to ensure their animals remain safe, loved and looked after and just as importantly, that their volunteers have a place where they feel safe, valued and appreciated.
More information about their fundraising campaign can be found here.