Over recent years, UK animal rescues have faced many challenges—both financially and emotionally. In the last two years, NAWT Berkshire animal rescue centre has also had to face a devastating natural challenge: flooding.

In January 2024, the centre flooded for six months, losing access to over four acres of land and its onsite secure dog paddock. In June, the flooding finally subsided, only to return in December, lasting through until May of this year.

As a result of two long periods of flooding, the dog agility equipment the team used for enrichment and training had rotted away and was no longer safe for use. This was a particularly hard loss for the team, after spending most of the year unable to exercise rescue dogs off-lead in a fun, secure environment.

In March this year, as the floodwaters began to recede, the team approached Marmax Recycled Products, asking for our support in replacing the agility equipment they had lost.

“We first approached Marmax as the agility equipment they make is 100% recycled plastic material and we knew this would have the sustainability to last if we do flood again,” says Berkshire Fundraising Officer, Molly. “After the flooding we only had one surviving piece of equipment which was a ramp made by Marmax themselves that we had received many years earlier. In talking to the representatives at Marmax, they were incredibly keen to help us and offered to match fund 50% of the cost if we could raise the other half.”

“Not only is the new agility equipment more durable and fit to withstand future flooding, but the dogs absolutely love it. Seeing them run, jump, and play on their new flood-resistant agility ramps and tunnels is incredibly rewarding—especially after so many months limited to on-lead walks.”

Dave Johnson, General Manager of Marmax, said:

“At Marmax, we are proud and delighted to support the National Animal Welfare Trust in supplying some of our dog agility equipment for their centre in Berkshire. It is great to see that our equipment is used to exercise dogs while they wait to be rehomed.”