Founding an animal sanctuary was not part our retirement plan when my husband and I moved to Welsh Moor eight years ago! Within a few weeks, however, we saw clearly the need to create a sanctuary focused mainly on helping local ponies, who were often found emaciated or injured in car accidents.

As a result, Woodfield Animal Sanctuary became a safe haven and we have rescued over 300 ponies in eight years, most of whom would otherwise not have survived. We also take in orphaned lambs, dogs, cows and cats - in fact any animal needing our help.

Our rapid expansion means we now employ three part time staff and a host of hard working and enthusiastic volunteers to care for the animals.

Alongside our existing challenges, the pandemic led to a big increase of abandoned and neglected animals coming in over the past year. We took in over 30 rescued ponies - in particular unwanted colts swelling our number of horses and ponies to over 70. This means in addition to our own 20 acres we are now renting many acres of grazing land from local farmers.

Veterinary costs are also a major worry for us at the moment ,with the new colts needing castrations (£200 each). Four of our rescued Colts recently needed a two night stay at the vets for costlier castration surgery. In addition, Clyde , Bonnies foal , has suddenly out of the blue, developed a foot problem requiring , x-rays, an intravenous injection of Oxytetracyline and toe extensions.

This summer we are asking you to help support us by contributing to these costs across the three summer months (June to August) every donation no matter how small means so much to us and the lives of our animals.

We are also hoping to host free open days, where you can also donate and meet and greet our current residents including our boisterous alpaca Jason and his personal flock of sheep. Follow us on Twitter or Fb for the latest dates.

If you can support us in any way at this desperate time we would be most grateful.

Best wishes,

Robbie B

Find out more at: http://woodfieldanimalsanctuary.org/