The Devon branch of the countryside charity is once again on the lookout for award-worthy churchyards across the county. Since Devon CPRE launched its Best Churchyard Competition six years ago, the charity has come across inspiring stories of communities pulling together to make the most of the green spaces around their churches and chapels.
Last year’s winner, All Saints in Kenton, near Exeter, and the runner-up, St Michael the Archangel in Chagford, were both fantastic examples of how local people can transform their churchyard when they draw on their individual strengths in...
A newly refurbished homelessness service in Exeter is set to provide much-needed short-term accommodation for the city’s homeless.
Having opened in Howell Road this week, it will offer 11 bedrooms and communal facilities for homeless adults and those at risk of being made homeless.
Run by Sanctuary Supported Living , the building has been fully refurbished with a new kitchen, bathrooms and security system. Working on referrals from the Rough Sleepers team and Exeter City Council, the service will provide first stage accommodation for those in crisis and requiring...
The Donkey Sanctuary partnered with the Exmouth based charity Pete’s Dragons who support people who have been bereaved by suicide. Families who are dealing with grief, were invited to experience a donkey-facilitated life skills session at The Donkey Sanctuary’s international headquarters in Sidmouth. Pete’s Dragons is an Exmouth based charity that supports those bereaved by suicide. Families were welcomed to participate in a life skills session of the donkey-facilitated learning programme. The visit proved incredibly worthwhile, and was described as an ‘unforgettable experience’. The...
A week-old orphaned donkey foal has been given a forever home with The Donkey Sanctuary, after its mother died shortly after giving birth. The foal was relinquished into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary by its owner, who wanted to give it the best start in life after its mother tragically died after suffering complications during foaling. Sadly, despite veterinary care and the best efforts of the donkey’s owner, her condition did not improve and the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep. The week-old male foal is receiving round the clock care by staff at the international animal...
** PLEASE NOTE - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO STORMY WEATHER ***
An event for foodies and families alike that celebrates the local food and drink scene, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Family Food Fair on 13 October has something for everyone. Fantastic local chefs will be providing live cookery demonstrations throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to sample some mouth-watering delights. There will be an eclectic selection of delicious food and refreshments to choose from, including tasty treats from the Flaming Good Pizza Co, Good Game and The Posh Kebab Company. Making up...
Held at The Donkey Sanctuary’s beautiful site near Sidmouth, the Summer Fair on Sunday 12 August, is by far the sanctuary’s biggest event of the year. Promising a fun day out for the whole family, the Summer Fair features a packed programme of events including live music, trailer rides, Punch and Judy, archery, go-karting, traditional family games and bouncy castles. Plus, the chance to meet the resident donkeys! Delicious refreshments will be available throughout the day and when it’s time for some retail therapy, the shopping village will provide something for everyone from its craft and...
As part of International Donkey Week in May, visitors have the opportunity to visit and explore Paccombe Farm in Harcombe.
Set in delightful countryside just a short drive from the main Sidmouth sanctuary, Paccombe Farm is where The Donkey Sanctuary has its training centre located as well as home to some of the adorable donkeys cared for by the charity. There are plenty of activities planned for the day to keep everyone entertained including trailer rides, donkey grooming, various games in the barn and a chance to discover the beautiful Paccombe Valley by joining a guided walk....
The Donkey Sanctuary will be celebrating World Donkey Day (8 May) as part of the charity’s 34 years celebrating Donkey Week from the 3 – 10 May, with events and activities highlighting the work and the contribution donkeys make to humans all over the world.
Members of the public are welcome to join the charity’s celebrations during Donkey Week and enjoy exclusive access to its farms in Devon where thousands of donkeys and mules live, many of which have been rescued or were unwanted pets. One of the events for Donkey Week will be held at Paccombe Farm located in the beautiful hamlet...
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is hosting a living willow workshop on Friday 11 March from 10am – 4pm, using willow grown on their own farms to build tunnels and domes.
Enjoy a day outdoors learning a new skill by joining The Donkey Sanctuary for a living willow workshop. This is a hands-on workshop and by the end of the day you will be ready to tackle your own project at home.
Ruth Angell, Wildlife and Conservation Coordinator at The Donkey Sanctuary said: “We grow willow beds next to our muck heap so that any dirty water run off can be collected in tanks and then...
On Sunday 29 November The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth will be holding their annual Christmas Fair and Santa’s Grotto from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Come and kick-start your Christmas shopping, or simply treat yourself at this festive event!
The arena will be full of traders selling wonderfully unique, and in some cases delicious items and goods. Choose from a range of freshly cut Christmas trees, available to take away on the day.
Pick up some gorgeous gifts at the Christmas Fair! Everything from handmade original items to beautiful products from local artisans will be available...
