A Registered Dog Rescue Charity
Since 1996, Birch Hill has been all about giving unwanted dogs a second chance. Today, we’re still working hard to pair happy hounds with forever families and offer lifelong care to those who can’t be rehomed.
Explore our journey and discover the dogs who make it all worthwhile.
It All Started with a Love for Dogs…
Long before we became a registered rescue, we were just a couple of dog lovers lending a helping hand. But what began in 1989 as a quiet countryside kennel soon evolved into something more. By the mid-90s, we had opened our doors to all dogs in need, moving away from boarding and focusing on rescues.
Since then, we’ve worked hard to become a trusted sanctuary for strays and a safety net for dogs with nowhere else to go. Nestled into the South Shropshire hills, we care for up to 24 dogs at once – some staying briefly before finding new families, others remaining with us for life.
Through every challenge and change in the last 30 years, we continued on with an unshakable belief that every dog deserves a chance to feel safe and loved in a place they can call home.
The Birch Hill Story
1850
The Birth of Birch Hill House
Birch Hill House was built in 1850 using stone from the old quarry it stands on — the very same stone that built the local village pub, The Live and Let Live.
1989
The Kennels Were Built
Originally, the kennels at Birch Hill were built to board dogs, offering a quaint countryside retreat for four-legged friends, not knowing they’d soon become a lifeline for hundreds of rescues.
1996
A Home for Every Dog Begins
Jutta and Terry Patterson took over and began welcoming abandoned dogs. One by one, rescues became the sole focus of Birch Hill, where no dog was ever turned away.
2002
Welcoming Strays with Open Arms
Terry became a Dog Warden for South Shropshire, working with the council to protect and rehome dogs across the district. The council funded the first 7 days of a dog’s stay, but beyond that, Birch Hill would provide all the care they needed until a loving home was found.
2009
Full Focus on Rescue
Faced with a rising number of abandoned dogs in need, Birch Hill made the big decision to stop boarding altogether. From then on, it became all about rescues.
2010
Becoming a Registered Charity
A major milestone: In 2010, Birch Hill officially became a registered charity! With that came new opportunities - more volunteers, more fundraising and the launch of monthly sponsor schemes to help cover expenses. Later that year, we also opened our first charity shop.
2011–2012
A Difficult Chapter
Sadly, Birch Hill became the victim of advertising fraud, losing around £20,000 meant for the dogs. Despite the difficulties, Jutta and the team carried on saving dogs in need.
2015
Honouring Jutta’s Legacy
In May 2015, Jutta Patterson sadly passed away. Terry chose to continue the rescue, knowing that’s what she would have wanted. Her legacy of kindness and compassion lives on in every dog we save.
2016–2017
Sentences Passed in Fraud Case
Several individuals involved in the 2011 fraud case were sentenced, offering a sense of closure, though the loss of funds still impacts us today, we kept going!
2019
A New Chapter Begins
After years of dedication, Terry made the tough decision to return to the U.S. to be with family. A small, passionate team took the reins, leasing Birch Hill and continuing the Pattersons’ mission.
Today
Changing Lives, One Tail at a Time
Fast forward to today, and Birch Hill now cares for up to 24 dogs at any one time, matching each pup with a loving owner and providing a forever home when no one else can.
Meet Our Long-Term Resident Dogs
Sadly, not every dog that arrives at Birch Hill is able to be rehomed. Some have complex needs and long-term health conditions that mean they’ll stay with us for life. These pups become part of the Birch Hill family, loved and cared for just like any other.
Thanks to your donations and sponsorships, we’re able to give them everything they need, from food and vet care to those all-important belly rubs. Meet the dogs who call Birch Hill home!
