It was founded in April 2005 by Jane Howorth, and was established in order to raise awareness of the 20 million hens kept in cages in the UK at that time.

Its activities include collecting hens which have reached the end of their commercial lives and re-homing them as pets.

Patrons of the charity include Bob Mortimer, Jamie Oliver, Pam Ayres, Amanda Holden, the Duchess of Richmond, Kate Humble, Philippa Forrester, Julia Kendell, Jimmy Doherty and Antony Worrall Thompson.

[9] The Trust has successfully campaigned to change the food industry, playing a part in Hellmanns making the switch to using only free-range eggs in its mayonnaise.

[10] Jane Howorth, the charity's founder and chief executive, was appointed MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to battery hen welfare.