Earlier this month we were asked to take in four sheep, three of them heavily pregnant. The owner didn’t feel confident handling the lambing, and wanted us to take them before the lambs arrived.
Sadly, one ewe lambed in the early hours before we could collect her. By the time we were called, it was already mid-morning, and the lambs had gone far too long without colostrum. We rushed over, but when we arrived it was clear we had been contacted too late. They were cold, weak, hungry, and couldn’t stand.
We brought them back to the Sanctuary and did everything we could. Stomach-tubed colostrum, warmed them under a heat lamp, kept their mother close by. She knew we were trying to help. But their little bodies just didn’t have the strength left. They had been hungry and cold for too long.
It broke our hearts. They weren’t given a fair chance. Our only comfort is that they left this world with full bellies, warmth, and love around them.
All four sheep were painfully skinny despite being in lamb. They clearly hadn’t been getting the nutrients and care they needed.
Over the following days, the other two ewes lambed. One had triplets, though sadly the tiniest baby didn’t make it. A very old ewe delivered a huge lamb that was sadly stillborn.
And then, on Easter Sunday, this little gem arrived safely into the world. Meet Little Tulip.
In our line of work, some days you win and some days you lose. This week we saw a lot of both.
The mums and babies are all doing well and we’ve kept them together as one little family. They look out for each other, keep a watchful eye over the three babies and Little Boo, and will get to love each other for the rest of their lives in their forever home.
The goats have been in their element this month, munching their way through a delivery of tree branches and peeling the bark off with total focus.
Tree bark is packed with nutrients and fibre, brilliant for their digestion, and they simply can’t get enough of it. A very goat-shaped kind of joy.
You’ll notice Domino is burr-free now.
His mane had been completely packed with them, so we made the call to hog it. He let us pull some out by hand, but there were just too many and it was getting uncomfortable for him. He was much happier afterwards, and we managed to brush the rest out of his tail and feathers.
He’s such a loving little guy.
We don’t know much about his past or how his life started out, but he has so much love and trust for us now.
A calm-natured pony who enjoys a good brush and a minty treat, he’s captured a little piece of everyone’s heart at the Sanctuary.
One recent day was so beautiful we finally took the rugs off the horses. It’s always a lovely moment. The horses know the routine and are so eager to groom one another. Mary was lucky enough to get both sides done, and everyone had their turn.
And with the sun out and the weather warming up, it only means one thing. Pig wallow time.
Snuffles has been one very happy piggy, spending her days perfecting the wallow to her exact specifications.
We were all thrilled when the 9th of April brought the end of the bird flu housing restrictions. The birds have been making up for lost time ever since.
Quackers the duck was delighted to be back around people’s feet. Gertie the turkey has been relishing her newfound freedom. The ducks have discovered a wonderful new bathing spot. And the most excited of all has been Judy, who has been overjoyed to see people again, perch on shoulders, share lunches and hunt for treats.
For now though, all of our usual biosecurity measures remain in place.
We’ve been hard at work getting the Sanctuary looking its best for the summer season.
We had some honest feedback recently that the place was looking a bit worn and shabby, and you know what, you were right. So our motto is that a change is as good as a rest, and the big paint job on the barn is just the beginning.
Will and Claire put in a huge effort this week and have done an absolutely brilliant job. We hope our visitors will agree that the new colour is a big improvement on the old faded pink.
We’re now open to visitors on weekends, so do come and see us.
April has reminded us, yet again, why what we do matters.
For every heartbreak there’s a Little Tulip.
For every animal we lose, there’s a Domino who learns to trust again. None of it happens without you.
Whether you sponsor an animal, make a donation, or come and visit us in person, you are the reason this Sanctuary exists.
With love and gratitude,
Louise, Steph & the whole Farm family 🌸🐑
We’ve got an incredible year of events lined up, and our 2026 events calendar is now live!
From the Freedom Fields Festival to our Open Days, farm visits, Sheepovers and much more – there’s something for everyone this year.
Whether you’ve visited us before or you’re planning your first trip to Manor Orchard Farm, we’d love to see you.
Spaces fill up fast, so make sure you check out what’s coming up and get your dates in the diary.
Join us on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May for a relaxed weekend at the sanctuary, with food, local stalls, family activities and the chance to meet our 600+ rescued residents.
Local vendors will be serving hot food and sweet treats throughout the day, alongside a selection of stalls offering handmade goods and unique finds.
There will be activities for younger visitors, and plenty of time to explore the sanctuary at your own pace. Our team will be around to introduce you to the animals and share their stories.
Come and join us for a truly unique sleepover night at the sanctuary!
Pitch your tent and spend an evening surrounded by our rescued animals, getting to know their personalities up close.
A magical experience for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a special night under the stars.
