We always knew Friday 13th had a reputation, but this year it really lived up to it.
The rain just wouldn’t let up, and the brook beside the sanctuary rose higher and higher.
Before we knew it, we were in a frantic scramble to get our 10 rescue pigs to dry land.
Thanks to an amazing team of dedicated staff, we managed to move every single one of them – getting the last group to safety just as it was getting dark and the water was almost too deep to wade through.
It was one of those heart-in-mouth days, but we can all rest easy knowing they’re now warm, dry and safe from the flooding. Crisis averted – but only just.
Not everyone’s bothered by the rain, mind you. Percy and Pickles have the right idea on wet days – staying tucked up in their cosy bed. We could all learn something from those two.
And then there’s Salt, our lovable rescue pony, who used to be grey. Used to be.
He’s currently rocking a rather muddy shade of brown and is clearly loving every minute of it.
Don’t worry – he’ll go back to his usual colour once the weather finally gives us a break!
Amidst all the rain, we were asked to take in three llamas whose circumstances had unfortunately changed. We thought it would be straightforward. How wrong we were.
We set off expecting to find them confined to a stable, but instead they were freely roaming a 20-acre field. The fog was thick, the rain was pouring, and the llamas were even less impressed than we were. We tried to round them up, but llamas aren’t like sheep – they don’t herd well at all, and with just three of us in such a huge field, we left empty-handed.
A few days later, we returned with reinforcements – Victoria and Roger from Simply Alpaca. The fog was still thick, and we struggled to even find the llamas in the field. Eventually, we spotted them hiding in a dense, overgrown wooded area. We carefully walked them out, created a small pen, and after a lot of slow movements, gentle talking and plenty of reassurance, they finally stepped on board the trailer.
It took over two hours, but we got Bailey, Martey and Rusty safely back to the sanctuary. Llamas are creatures of habit and thrive on routine, so once they’re settled, we’ll begin introducing some handling and establishing their new daily routine. They’re already curious and eager to make friends – we’re optimistic it won’t take long.
As we continue in our new era at Manor Orchard Farm, we are absolutely thrilled to announce a new Patron to succeed Joanna Lumley, DBE, to whom we are so grateful for her years of devotion to the sanctuary.
This year will be pivotal for The Farm Animal Sanctuary, so it was essential we secured a Patron who understood our values and our mission – and lived them with us.
It is a huge honour to announce that award-winning columnist, writer, podcaster, animal lover, racehorse rehomer and confirmed vegan Liz Jones is joining us as our new Patron.
Liz brings the “sun” into Sunday with her weekly column in The Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, and her groundbreaking, hard-hitting writing in the Daily Mail has long championed animals around the world. No subject is off limits with Liz, but her priority is always animals.
Although she lives in Yorkshire, Liz is looking forward to visiting the sanctuary and will be joining us – doubtless with a collie or two in tow – for the Freedom Fields Festival.
With the rain still pouring, the fields are more waterlogged than ever. There doesn’t seem to be a break in the weather anytime soon, and we have more animals indoors than ever before – with the pig areas still submerged in water.
All the animals remain in the barns, happily filling their bellies with very costly hay. We’ve just received a hay bill totalling £2,863, and our funds are running low.
If you can help in any way, we would be incredibly grateful. Every little bit makes a difference when you’re feeding 600+ mouths every single day.
We’ve got an incredible year of events lined up, and our 2026 events calendar is now live!
From the Freedom Fields Festival (Early Bird tickets available!) 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.
Through floods, fog and frankly miserable weather, your support keeps this sanctuary going.
Whether you donate, sponsor, share our posts or simply cheer us on – thank you.
We couldn’t do it without you.
With love and gratitude,
Louise, Steph & the whole Farm family 🌧️💚
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.
