August 2024: Sun, Straw, and Sanctuary News

Summer Joy and Unwavering Commitment at the Sanctuary

As summer finally made its long-awaited arrival, our beloved pigs have been thoroughly enjoying their wallows, basking in the warmth and comfort of the season. 

There’s nothing quite like seeing them happily rolling in the mud, a simple pleasure that brings them immense joy.

At our sanctuary, animal welfare is always our top priority. 

No matter what challenges we face, we make sure that every task is completed to ensure the well-being of our animals. 

This July, we focused on our sheep, providing them with a vital fly strike preventative treatment. 

A quick spray along their backs was all it took to keep them protected from the risks of fly strike for the rest of the warm weather. This simple yet essential step cost us £800 to ensure that all our sheep are safe and comfortable, free from the torment of flies. 

Even in the midst of a financial crisis, we remain committed to giving our animals the best possible care.

As summer progresses, we’ve also started preparing for the colder months ahead. 

Hay and straw have begun to be cut, and we’re diligently accumulating our winter collection. Purchasing it straight off the field allows us to save on costs, which is crucial given the volume we go through. To give you an idea, we use about 14 large round bales of hay each week to keep our animals well-fed and happy.

No matter the season, our dedication to our animals never wavers. 

We are deeply committed to ensuring that they receive the care and attention they deserve, and we are grateful for the support that allows us to continue this important work.

The Farm Sheep Clicking

Hay There, Winter's on the Way...

As summer progresses, we’ve also started preparing for the colder months ahead. 

Hay and straw have begun to be cut, and we’re diligently accumulating our winter collection. Purchasing it straight off the field allows us to save on costs, which is crucial given the volume we go through. To give you an idea, we use about 14 large round bales of hay each week to keep our animals well-fed and happy.

No matter the season, our dedication to our animals never wavers. 

We are deeply committed to ensuring that they receive the care and attention they deserve, and we are grateful for the support that allows us to continue this important work.

A Life-Saving Rescue: Bringing Hope to a Group of Neglected Goats

A few weeks ago, our team received an urgent and distressing call for help. A group of goats was found in dire conditions, desperately in need of immediate rescue. These poor animals were living a nightmare: several were lame, limping, or forced to walk on just three legs, while one goat was discovered lying on her side, unable to get up. 

The field they were in had no access to fresh water, and the heartbreaking sight of eight of their deceased friends’ carcasses, left to rot, was a stark reminder of the danger these goats were facing.

Without hesitation, we prepared for the 230-mile round trip to save them. 

The journey was long, but we knew there was no time to waste. We couldn’t leave these vulnerable creatures to suffer the same fate as their lost companions. 

By the time we returned to the sanctuary, it was midnight. Despite the late hour, we made sure to settle them in with deep straw beds, plenty of hay, and fresh water, ensuring they had the comfort and care they so desperately needed.

The next morning, we arranged for a vet visit to assess their health. 

The examination revealed the extent of their suffering: all of them were battling a severe lice infestation, which had caused them to lose patches of hair due to constant itching. Faecal tests showed a heavy worm burden, further weakening them, and blood tests indicated exposure to harmful toxins. 

To make matters worse, half of them were dealing with painful foot problems, making every step a struggle.

However, with the right care and treatment, these resilient goats began their journey to recovery. 

They received all the medical attention they needed, including treatments for lice, worms, and foot issues. Slowly but surely, their health improved, and we began to see a transformation. Their personalities started to shine through, and despite everything they had endured, they began to trust us.

Today, these once-suffering goats are happier and healthier, enjoying life at our sanctuary. Their journey is a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of never giving up, no matter the distance or difficulty. 

We are grateful to have been able to give them the chance to live the life they deserve.

🐑⛺️ Last Sheepover of 2024 – Saturday, 24th August! ⛺️🐑

If you haven’t had the chance to experience one of our magical Sheepovers yet, now is the time! 

Join us for the final Sheepover of 2024, where you can immerse yourself in a truly special and unique experience here at the sanctuary. 💚🥳

Pack your tent ⛺️ and spend an unforgettable night under the stars with our rescued animals 🐾

This is more than just a camping trip – it’s an incredible opportunity to connect with our animal residents, getting to know them on a deeper level and witnessing their unique personalities shine. ❤️

It’s a perfect night out for the whole family!

Tickets available here

 

We’ve also got you covered with fantastic food options! Our amazing caterers, Boxx n Bar, will be serving up delicious meals, including breakfast on Sunday morning. For those with a sweet tooth, Golden Glaze will be providing mouthwatering treats along with hot and cold drinks 🍩☕️.

On Sunday morning, we’ll also be hosting a relaxing yoga session 🧘. If you have your own mat, please bring it along with you. 👍🏼

Book your tickets now and prepare for a weekend of relaxation, connection, and fun at the sanctuary. 

Come say hello to the animals and enjoy a peaceful escape in nature. 👇🏼❤️🐾⛺️🐑

Sheepover

More Upcoming Events...

Open Weekend

Spooky Sanctuary

Christmas Festive Fair

The Farm Animal Sanctuary is hosting an old-fashioned open weekend!

Join us for a weekend filled with great food, delicious sweet treats, shopping, fun and games for the little ones, and, of course, meet the stars of the show—our 600+ rescue residents and much more.

Enjoy a relaxed and fun atmosphere!

Dates:

  • Saturday, 14th September
  • Sunday, 15th September

(No overnight camping)

Time: 10am – 4pm
Prices: Adults: £10, Children: £5

Join us for a spooky day at the sanctuary filled with fun for the whole family and plenty of treats!

Enjoy our Farm Animal Sanctuary ghost trail, colouring activities, games with chances to win treats, and special prizes for the best costumes. 

Golden Glaze will be serving tea, coffee, and spooktacular doughnuts throughout the event.

Our rescue animals can’t wait to see you!

It’s a great family day out!

Date & Time:

  • Saturday, 26th October – 10am – 3pm

Price:

  • Adults: £5
  • Children (under 14): £7.50 (includes a full goodie bag)

 

 

Join us for a festive evening of fun at the sanctuary, perfect for the whole family!

Enjoy vegan food from The Boxx n Bar, delicious doughnuts and hot drinks from Golden Glaze, craft and gift stalls, a grotto scene where children can receive sweets from Santa, live music, and, of course, the chance to meet our animals!

It’s a great family evening out!

Date & Time:

  • Saturday, 23rd November – 4pm – 7pm

Price:

  • Adults: £3.50
  • Children (under 14): £3

 

This event will be held in one of our barns, so please wear outdoor footwear and warm clothing!