Winter is always the hardest time of year at The Retreat, as our workload increases, the rain and mud make caring for the animals more physically demanding, the animals struggle with the cold weather, and our costs go up massively. Our income also decreases as we close to the public so lose money taken in from the café and shops.

As our residents are aging, we also inevitably have to spend more money on their food, hay, bedding, supplements, medication, and veterinary care.

We estimate that we need to raise at least £50,000 to see us through this winter, as long as we don't have any disasters! A kind supporter has offered to match any donations up to a maximum of £20k, so every pound you donate will really mean we get two pounds. With this donor matching everything up to £20k, if we hit our £30,000 target on this fundraiser, we'll reach the £50,000 we require.

Every single pound helps, as does every share!