Dog walk at Holkham celebrates charity's diamond anniversary

Dog lovers are being urged to join in with a super sponsored dog walk in aid of the RSPCA West Norfolk branch which will be held in the stunning grounds of Holkham Hall on Sunday, June 12.

The event has been organised to raise much needed funds for the branch and to also celebrate the independent branch’s 60th anniversary.

Like many charities up and down the country the Eau Brink rehoming centre has faced difficulties as a result of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

The branch’s vet bill this year is more than double and they are caring for an array of sick and injured animals from cats, dogs to small furries.

Carl Saunders, general manager at the branch, said: "We are absolutely delighted that this year we have been able to host our sponsored walk at the stunning grounds of Holkham Hall near Wells-next-to-the-Sea with the kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Leicester.

"The event is even more special given that this is the 60th anniversary of our wonderful branch so what better way to celebrate this than by hosting a walk with friends old and new.

"It has been an incredibly tough few years for the charity sector and this year looks like this will continue due to the pressures of the cost of living which is why we need the support of the wonderful people of Norfolk more than ever.

"Like most charities at the moment our budget is under a lot of pressure with so many costs increasing so we’ve set ourselves an ambitious target to get 100 people on the sponsored walk.

"As well as the sponsored walk there will also be a grand draw raffle and tickets will be available on the day and we have some incredible prizes on offer.

"For anyone who has never been to Holkham Hall before it is just a wonderful setting with the hall looking out across the lake and the deer park.

"In the courtyard near the hall there is a gift shop and the café with some amazing food. "There’s also the fantastic children’s woodland play area if the children have any energy left to burn off before you leave."

The walk starts a 10am on Sunday, June 12 and the route will follow the nature trail which winds through the woods where there are 19 information boards and there will be a quiz sheet available on the day for completing on the nature trail.

A full risk assessment of the walk has been carried out and the Holkham Estate carries out regular full risk assessments of the park and a copy can be requested by contacting the branch.

Participants will receive a goodie bag, one per group and there is a whole-day parking fee of £5 and all dogs must be kept on leads at all times.