Devon charity celebrating national award after rehoming over one million hens

A Devon-based charity that has transformed the lives of millions of hens — and changed the way the nation thinks about chickens — has been honoured with a top national award.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), founded near Totnes, has been crowned winner of the Animal Welfare category at the National Charity Today Awards 2025. The accolade recognises two decades of tireless work rescuing and rehoming ex-commercial hens, many of which were destined for slaughter, and promoting better welfare standards across the UK.

“This is a win for every volunteer, adopter and supporter who believes hens matter,” said Jane Howorth MBE, BHWT founder. “From the early days of one small collection point to passing the millionth hen milestone, it’s been a community effort - and we’re just getting started.”

The BHWT reached that remarkable milestone last year when its one-millionth hen was rehomed with none other than His Majesty King Charles III. This year alone, the charity expects to rehome around 50,000 hens, thanks to more than 40 regional teams, a small core staff, and an army of around 1,400 volunteers, many of them based in Devon and the South West.

The charity was founded in 2005 by Howorth, who still lives in Devon, after she was moved by the plight of commercial laying hens. Since then, the BHWT has grown into the UK’s leading organisation for hen rescue and rehoming, educating consumers about hidden caged eggs in everyday foods like pasta, quiches, cakes and mayonnaise.

Lee B. Rayment, Founder of the National Charity Today Awards, praised the Devon organisation’s commitment to compassion and change:
“I’m absolutely delighted to see The British Hen Welfare Trust recognised with this year’s Animal Welfare Award. The organisation’s tireless dedication to improving the lives of hens, promoting responsible rehoming, and raising awareness about animal welfare standards truly embodies the spirit of compassion and commitment that these awards are designed to celebrate.

“Their work has inspired countless individuals to take action and shown what’s possible when empathy meets determination. Congratulations to the entire team on this thoroughly deserved achievement.”

This year’s ceremony took place on 15th October at the Holiday Inn Peterborough West, marking the tenth year of the Charity Today Awards, which are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the voluntary sector.

The BHWT’s recognition adds to a long list of achievements for the South Molton-based charity, which continues to grow its reach across the UK while keeping its Devon roots at the heart of its mission.

To adopt hens or learn more about the charity’s work, visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption or call the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.