Transforming Venture Farm Cat Rescue’s Outdoor Space

The starting point: A space in need of care

Venture Farm Cat Rescue provides a safe and loving environment for ageing and retired cats, offering them a comfortable home and serving as a welcoming destination for the public during open days.

The organisation’s outdoor area, known as ‘Oldies Village,’ was in desperate need of an upgrade. It featured overgrown grass and weeds, was prone to flooding, and was virtually unusable during the winter.

This left the space looking tired and neglected, failing to reflect the high level of care the cats receive.

Our goal: A space that works for cats and visitors

To transform the outdoor space into a practical, clean, and all-weather-friendly area that serves as a comfortable home for retired cats and a visually appealing showcase for visitors.

The new space needed to:

1. Provide year-round usability.
2. Create a welcoming atmosphere for public open days.
3. Improve drainage to prevent flooding.
4. Demonstrate the exceptional care given to the cats.

Overcoming obstacles

• The existing area was prone to flooding, making it unusable for extended periods.
• Maintaining the overgrown and weed-ridden grass required excessive effort.
• The space needed to balance practicality, aesthetics, and functionality while ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for the cats.

How we brought the vision to life

To address these challenges, JG Paving and Landscaping created a comprehensive transformation plan that prioritised functionality, durability, and aesthetics:

Design Plan

Surface Redesign:

The entire area was paved with resin-bound aggregate, chosen for its clean, high-quality finish and fully permeable properties, which help manage water drainage.

Drainage Solutions:

• Land drains were installed to address flooding issues, redirecting surface water away from the area.
• A previously shallow and ineffective ditch was expanded into a larger land drain, which led into a newly constructed pond for efficient water management.

Raised Beds for Cats:

• Two brick raised beds were designed with artificial grass for lounging cats.
• Two additional lower beds were filled with bark to function as litter trays.
• Several ground-level planting cutouts were added to soften the area and enhance the visual appeal.

Pathways and Borders:

Natural stone paths and borders were integrated into the design to create a cohesive and natural flow throughout the space.

Artificial Grass and Planting Areas:

A section behind the gazebo was covered with artificial grass, maintaining a soft, natural aesthetic that complements the lounging beds. Circular planting beds were added to further break up the area and provide greenery.

Material Modifications

To simplify the design and reduce the need for additional materials, raised beds were finished with K-render on the sides and tops, eliminating the need for capping materials.

Turning plans into reality

The transformation involved precise planning and execution to ensure all elements aligned with the objectives:

1. Flooding Mitigation: The land was graded to ensure appropriate falls, allowing water to flow naturally toward the drainage systems.
2. Resin-Bound Aggregate and Artificial Grass Installation: Both materials were selected for their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance, ensuring the area could withstand year-round use.
3. Finishing Touches: Planting beds and raised lounging areas were carefully installed, combining practicality with visual appeal.

The transformation: A space reimagined

The finished project exceeded expectations, providing:

• Usability: A clean, flood-resistant area that can be enjoyed year-round.
• Comfort: Raised lounging beds and bark-filled litter trays cater specifically to the cats’ needs.
• Aesthetics: A visually stunning space that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, reflecting the care and love provided to the cats.
• Functionality: Improved drainage and low-maintenance materials ensure the area remains functional and easy to upkeep.

What Venture Farm had to say...

"As discussed we are all really pleased with the work you carried out in our Oldies Village recently. The layout is working very well and it is so easy and safe to work in for our volunteers, as well as looking fantastic! We appreciate the time you spent with us at the planning stage. Even though we had an idea of what we wanted, you had some excellent suggestions for the final project. It was a pleasure to have your team working at our premises. The guys were all polite, hardworking and conscientious and always left the site in a safe and clean state."