This month we welcomed two tiny new arrivals, Isaac and Honey, rescued from a farm up in Yorkshire.
Their rescuer found Isaac while she was penning the lambs up with their mums. He was very small, and she soon realised he had been born with no eyes. He was completely blind. The farmer did not hesitate.Ā
He said the lamb was not worth the bother, and Isaac was put to one side and discarded, simply because he could not see.
But his rescuer saw something else.Ā
She saw the determination in him, walking about and bright as anything despite everything stacked against him.Ā
She took him home, along with another small lamb called Honey to keep him company, bottle-fed them both, and gave them the love and care they deserved. They flourished.Ā
When she could no longer keep them, she reached out to us so they could carry on being safe and loved for the rest of their lives.
Isaac and Honey have settled in beautifully. Isaac is not fazed in the slightest.Ā
The other lambs are wonderful with him, staying close and calling to him so he always knows where they are.Ā
He is a strong little fella, and he adores people, especially when there is a head scratch on offer.
This month, carrots were the talk of the Sanctuary.Ā
We received seven pallets of carrots as a donation, and let us tell you, the sheep, cows, goats and pigs are completely obsessed.
You can see in the pictures just how much they love them.Ā
We are always so grateful for food donations, and our animals never let a single one go to waste.
Look closely. Yes, those are two goats up there. Meet Chester and Chip, mother and son, and so alike it is hard to believe.
Both are cheeky, delightfully naughty and forever getting into trouble. If anyone is somewhere they really should not be, it is almost certainly these two.Ā
That said, they do know exactly where the best Willow tree is, and Big Lanty waits patiently below, hoping they will drop some of the good stuff.Ā
They always leave us smiling.
When the temperature climbs, our pigs know exactly what to do. There is nothing they love more than a deep, muddy, cool wallow, and this month they have made the very most of it.
A good wallow is not just for fun. It keeps them cool, protects their skin from the sun and is one of the most natural, contented things a happy pig can do. Judging by these faces, they are living their best lives.
Our recent Sheepover on 30th May was a huge success, definitely one of the best so far.
The sun was out, and we enjoyed live music, the most delicious food, the sweetest treats and truly wonderful company.
It was a lovely evening as you can see from the gallery here, and your support means everything to us.
The good news is we get to do it all over again this weekend, on Saturday, 27th June.
If you have not booked yet, come and join us.
Something magical is happening at the Sanctuary this summer. Freedom Fields Festival returns on 25th and 26th July.
Two days of live music, delicious vegan street food, talks, workshops, yoga and a kids’ area, all here on the farm and surrounded by our 600+ rescued residents.Ā
You might have joined us for an open day or a Sheepover before, but Freedom Fields is the farm in full festival mode, with something happening every minute, all weekend long.
Camp under the stars amongst the animals for the full weekend, or come along for a fantastic family day out, with day tickets from just Ā£10.Ā
Every single ticket helps us care for the animals you love.
We end this month’s update on a more sombre note. It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of the animal world’s most dedicated advocates, Patricia Bernie.
Many of you will remember Patricia as the remarkable woman who helped us get established and grow into who we are today here at Manor Orchard Farm. She had an enormous heart and was kind to everyone, something she showed through the many years she devoted to rescuing animals. Her true passion was for cats, and she played a vital role in the rescue of countless felines.
What an extraordinary woman she was, and what a remarkable life she led. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. We hope they find comfort in knowing that the legacy she built continues to thrive every single day.
To everyone who has supported us through this hot, busy and emotional month, thank you.
Whether you booked a Sheepover or bought a Freedom Fields ticket, donated carrots, sponsored an animal or simply spread the word, you are the reason Isaac, Honey and all 600+ of our residents are safe, cool and loved.
We hope you manage to stay cool and safe in this heat, too.
With love and gratitude,
Louise, Steph & the whole Farm family šøš
We’ve got an incredible year of events lined up for you to come and visit The Farm and our 600+ residents in their forever home.
From the Freedom Fields FestivalĀ to ourĀ farm visits, Sheepovers and much more ā there’s something for everyone this year.Ā
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.
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.
Join us for the biggest event of the year at Britainās first-ever Farm Animal Sanctuary!
Experience a magical weekend surrounded by over 600 rescued animals and the stunning countryside of the sanctuary.
With food, drinks, live music (including a DJ), celebrity speakers, shopping, wellness workshops, yoga, a dedicated kidsā area, and much more, thereās something for everyone to enjoy.
