Jane Scott and Curly Tails: A Transformative Vision for Humane Rescue and Inclusive Wellbeing

Celebrating Leadership in Compassion and Community

Jane Scott, founder of Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary and Wellbeing Centre, stands as a remarkable example of how one person’s dedication can transform both animal welfare and human lives. Recognised as the Women in Leadership – Top 100 – 2026 award winner in the category of NPO Business Woman of the Year for the UK, Jane has built Curly Tails into a pioneering charity rooted in kindness, education and reciprocal wellbeing.

A Sanctuary Built on Purpose and Respect

Curly Tails began as a mission to rescue unwanted pigs and give them a safe home where they could live free from fear, distress and exploitation. Today, the sanctuary operates across six acres of peaceful woodland in Buckinghamshire, providing a refuge for rescued pigs and a nurturing environment for visitors. Every animal at Curly Tails comes from a rescue background, and the sanctuary is committed to meeting their needs ethically and respectfully, ensuring their wellbeing remains central in everything they do.

The sanctuary has grown significantly since its establishment, developing deep partnerships across local and national rescue organisations. Central to its ethos is a non-exploitative approach that prioritises trust, enrichment and the natural bond that can form between humans and animals.

Trailblazing Porcine-Assisted Therapy and Learning

Curly Tails is widely recognised for its innovative porcine-assisted therapy, designed to support people of all ages and abilities. This approach allows children, young people and adults to experience learning and healing through meaningful interaction with pigs in a safe and harmonious environment.

The wellbeing centre supports:

• Young people with learning difficulties
• Individuals with SEND and SEMH needs
• Those struggling with confidence and self-worth
• Adults and children navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety and other conditions

This compassionate and inclusive method has earned Curly Tails numerous accolades in education, mental health support and ethical practice, reflecting the significant impact their programmes have on thousands of visitors each year.

A Recognised Leader in Education and Ethical Practice

Jane’s work has not only uplifted the local community but has been acknowledged nationally through prestigious awards, including recognition from the Prime Minister and honours in animal welfare, education and charity leadership. The sanctuary’s status as an accredited learning centre supports structured educational experiences, such as school visits, placement programmes, Duke of Edinburgh participation and ASDAN-certified learning.

Curly Tails also hosts a series of community events designed to inspire joy, learning and seasonal celebration. From themed astronomy evenings to family sessions with Santa and the pigs, every event is designed to strengthen community connection while supporting the charity’s core mission.

A Community Hub for Wellbeing and Growth

The wellbeing centre serves as a space where personal growth, emotional development and mental health support are made accessible to all. Through nurturing interactions, visitors develop confidence, empathy and resilience. Companies also take part in team-building sessions and corporate wellbeing days, contributing to meaningful community impact while enhancing workplace wellbeing.

Sustaining a Vision Rooted in Kindness

As a non-funded charity, Curly Tails relies entirely on donations, sponsorships and fundraising to continue its rescue, welfare and community programmes. Every contribution supports the sanctuary’s ability to provide a safe home for its animals and life-changing experiences for the people who visit.

The message at the heart of Curly Tails is simple yet powerful: being humane costs nothing, and true wealth is measured by the positive impact we have on others. Jane Scott’s leadership has turned this vision into a working reality—one that continues to grow, inspire and transform lives each day.

Support the Mission

Curly Tails welcomes new sponsors, donors and supporters who wish to help sustain their rescue efforts and wellbeing programmes. The sanctuary also encourages following their journey on social media for updates, events and stories from the sanctuary.