Supporting Berkshire Rescue Dogs with Flood-Resistant, Sustainable Agility Equipment

Over recent years, UK animal rescues have faced many challenges—both financially and emotionally. In the last two years, our 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 our 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, our team approached Marmax Recycling Products, asking for their support in replacing the agility equipment we had lost.

Who are Marmax Recycling Products?

Marmax Recycling Products are an award-winning UK manufacturer specialising in 100% recycled plastic dog agility equipment, outdoor furniture, and play apparatus. With over 25 years of experience, Marmax has earned a reputation for creating sustainable, long-lasting productsthat are rot-proof, splinter-free, and resistant to water damage—making them ideal for flood-prone areas.

Their work has prevented millions of plastic bottles from going to landfill, transforming waste into durable, practical products used by schools, councils, businesses, and charities. For animal rescue centres like ours, their flood-resistant dog equipment is a game-changer for enrichment and training.

“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.”

The role of Montala Limited in helping our rescue dogs

Thanks to the generosity of Montala Limited, a UK-based software development company, we were able to raise the rest of the funds needed to purchase the new agility equipment.

Montala is the company behind ResourceSpace, an open-source digital asset management platform used worldwide by charities, universities, and businesses. The company is deeply committed to social responsibility, regularly supporting local charities through donations, sponsorships, and corporate volunteering days.

Montala’s team has already helped us on the ground in previous years, and their latest contribution has provided our rescue dogs with safe, fun, and stimulating exercise opportunities—something they had been missing for far too long.

A brighter future for our Berkshire rescue dogs

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.”

A huge thank you to the teams at both Marmax Recycling Products and Montala Software for their incredible support of NAWT Berkshire.

If your company is interested in supporting one of our rescue centres—whether through a donation, sponsorship, or by joining us for a corporate volunteering day with animals—we’d love to hear from you. Contact your nearest branch today to find out how you can make a difference.