AN ANIMAL shelter has reflected on a “incredibly hard year” after it rehomed hundreds of animals during lockdown.

Staff and volunteers at Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, near Lewes, have been working hard to make sure animals and pets in their care are well looked after, despite the challenges of Covid-19.

The centre has helped 1,154 vulnerable animals and has rehomed 600 pets during the last year, despite losing more than £1,000 in daily revenue after closing its shop and cafe.

The Argus: The centre near Lewes reopened to the public todayThe centre near Lewes reopened to the public today

But after being closed for more than a year, the centre has reopened to visitors today for the first time since the pandemic began.

Stephanie Smith, chairwoman of Raystede said: “It has been an incredibly hard year. When I joined Raystede in February 2020, I never imagined that my first year would be full of the challenges we have faced.

“We have seen an amazing outpouring of support from our local community which has enabled us to keep going and be there for animals in need.

The Argus: Raystede has been closed to visitors for the best part of a year because of lockdownRaystede has been closed to visitors for the best part of a year because of lockdown

“Thank you so much to everyone who has helped Raystede. We are looking forward to welcoming you back to see our work and the difference your support has made.”

Entry is free but visitors are being told to book a ticket and an arrival slot, but they can stay as long as they like.

Social distancing measures will remain in place and hand sanitiser stations will be located throughout the site.

​​There will be a team of volunteers to welcome people, check them in, provide information about the animals and to help with any enquiries.

A spokesman said: “Visiting Raystede is an opportunity to gain a rare glimpse into the charity’s work with animals, which include dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, rabbits, exotic birds, chickens, geese, guinea pigs, tortoises, terrapins and many wildfowl.

“Some animals are for rescue and rehoming so may be nervous – a lot of work with dogs, for example, goes on behind the scenes – and some animals, such as rabbits, are very nervous.

“Visitors are asked to be quiet and calm for these - and all the animals - to help them feel safe and restore their trust in humans.”

Dogs on leads are welcome and there’s a dog-friendly trail around most of the site.

For anyone wanting to adopt or give up a pet, Raystede is still open for rehoming and taking in animals.

For find out more, visit www.raystede.org