From ruin to refuge: The family transforming animal welfare in Derbyshire

But eleven years ago, the story looked very different.

Founder Abi Wagstaff Elliott and her husband Chris Elliott made the life-changing decision to sell their small two-bedroom home and purchase a derelict farmhouse and neglected land in Tansley, with a vision of creating somewhere animals could finally feel safe.

What followed was years of restoration, rebuilding and relentless hard work - much of it led by Craig and his dad George, builders by trade, who have physically transformed the farm into what it is today.

“There were times when it felt completely overwhelming,” Abi admits. “The buildings needed so much work and the land had been neglected for years, but we just kept going step by step.”

Today, the once-forgotten site has evolved into a peaceful refuge for more than 250 rescued animals, alongside an ambitious rewilding project focused on restoring biodiversity and natural habitats within the Derbyshire countryside.

The sanctuary itself has largely been funded through the success of the family’s long-established business, Oaksedge Farm Dog Hotel Ltd , which operates from the same site.

“The dog hotel has honestly made so much of this possible,” Abi explains. “Every booking has helped us continue building and caring for the sanctuary alongside it.” It’s currently running at full occupancy with a waiting list now in place.

Alongside Abi and Craig is their 11 year-old daughter Hattie, who has grown up surrounded by rescue animals and is deeply involved in daily life at Oaksedge.

“She’s incredibly hands-on,” Abi says. “The animals are just part of her everyday life. She has grown up understanding kindness, responsibility and respect for animals in a very natural way.”

Today, Oaksedge is home to rescued pigs, sheep, ponies, chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots and many more animals - each arriving with different backgrounds and care needs.

Among them are Pearl and Gemma, a Dartmoor pony mother and daughter pair whose story has become especially close to the family’s heart. Pearl and Gemma arrived at Oaksedge through Brinsley Animal Rescue following a Dartmoor pony round-up and both now live peacefully together at the sanctuary.

There are also more than 140 rescued chickens, many of them former commercial laying hens saved from factory farming systems. At Oaksedge they are free to roam, forage and live out their natural lives in safety. Any eggs they choose to lay are collected and sold to help fund the sanctuary's work, providing what many supporters describe as the most ethical source of eggs in Derbyshire.

Alongside caring for the animals, the family has been quietly restoring the surrounding land through rewilding initiatives designed to support biodiversity and native wildlife throughout the Peak District landscape.

55 bird nest boxes have been put up along with bat boxes and owl boxes.

Wildflower meadows have been restored, more than 1000 trees and hedgerows have been planted , woodland areas protected and a former angling lake acquired as part of the site and transformed into a nature reserve.

Once managed primarily for fishing, the area is now being restored as a haven for wildlife, supporting a growing variety of birds, insects and native species. Foxes, badgers and wild birds now regularly move through the land, benefiting from protected habitats and ongoing feeding support.

“We wanted the land to heal alongside the animals,” Abi explains. “Everything here is connected. If you give nature the chance, it slowly starts returning.”

The sanctuary is currently in the final stages of securing official charity status - something Abi hopes will allow Oaksedge to expand its rescue work and provide long-term support for even more animals across Derbyshire.

“It’s incredibly exciting,” she says. “Everything here has been built through hard work and support from people who genuinely care. Becoming a registered charity is going to really help us create something even more sustainable for the future.”

While the dog hotel may already be fully booked for the year ahead, Abi says there are still many ways local people can support the sanctuary. From donations and corporate sponsorship to volunteering and professional partnerships - there’s always a lot to be done and all help is highly valued.

For Abi, though, the most rewarding moments are often the quietest ones.

“Seeing animals finally relax is probably the best part,” she says. “When they arrive, many are nervous or uncertain. Then gradually, you start seeing natural behaviours return. You see them feel safe. That’s everything.”

Oaksedge Sanctuary is not open to the public, but you can find out more how to volunteer and get involved at: https://www.oaksedgesanctuary.com/