The first quarter of 2026 has been extremely financially challenging for the sanctuary.

There are 2 key factors in play - firstly the decline in monthly support has continued with over 35 cancellations so far this year with new supporters joining at around a 1 to 4 ratio - i.e. for each new supporter, 4 people stop

However the biggest overall impact is the massive increase in hay prices which have literally doubled since last year - this has had a huge impact as hay (forage) is the single most important feed stuff for the cows, horses and sheep - particularly the cows as we have 50 and they eat so much more than the horses!

Analysis of the feed costs from Q1 2025 to Q1 2026 shows that we are having to spend over £1200 a week EXTRA this year - and the impact of this so far this year means that we are down £12,900 so far. (£4.4K in jan, £1.8K in feb & £6.7K in March - so far)

This, as you can imagine is causing considrable stress as so many lives are dependent our our abilty to keep afloat

To this end, one of our extremely generous supporters is offerring MATCHED FUNDING up to an incredible £15,000 to help us climb out of this hole, so any extra donation received from supporters will be matched

This is such a very kind and generous offer, we would love to maximise what we can raise to get us through the rest of the winter as until the animals can get out onto the grass we will need to keep supplying them with ALL their forage needs through hay. - Indeed we supply hay all year round of course, but when they are on the grass the demand is less.

It isn't just the hay cost that has gone up, straw (bedding) was also impacted by last years unusually dry March & April - also the rising cost of fuel is impacting feed costs too - all in all its a pretty sorry state of affairs and we know how hard it is for people to donate as we have the costs of living to bare too - with the additional stress of worrying about the 400 rescues we are caring for

Anything you are able to donate to this appeal will be hugely appreciated and if you are not already a monthly supporter, please do consider signig up, all your donation goes towards the feed & care costs.

Huge thanks to everyone who has helped us keep going to this point - 30 years so far

Thank you

Fiona & the Gang x