An Eden donkey retreat has launched a fundraising campaign as it desperately needs to expand – or face the possibility of having to turn away neglected animals.
The Barnhill Donkeys Retreat, which is run by Linda Gilbert at Sleagill, near Shap, needs to increase the size of its stable yard and add another three stables, before the autumn and winter sets in, at a cost of £15,000.
“If we don’t increase the size of the present stable yard we are going to be in a situation where turning donkeys away will be a reality,” said Linda.
She said: “Extending our present stable yard is so important on many levels.
“We cannot take another winter like the last one, we had rain through November, December and part January, the donkeys had to be kept in, it was \too wet to let them out, donkeys feet and wet are not a good mix, nor are wet donkeys.
“We need to extend the yard not only to allow us to take in more donkeys, last year we had over twenty in, but also it allows them free movement, while on a hard dry base.
“We need to add an extra three stables.We would love everyone who is helping make this possible to come and see the new stable yard you have made possible.”
The donkeys are housed at present in four on-site stables and visitors are welcome to visit on weekdays over the summer between 10am to noon.
Linda added: “We don’t charge visitors, and have many visitors returning especially those suffering with mental health problems, donkeys are the best therapy animals.
“But to keep filling the need for donkeys coming in abused, neglected and unwanted we need to expand our stable yard and stables.”
The GoFundMe page, which can be found at shorturl.at/anvEN, had raised £865 as the Herald went to press.
