Woodlands , an independent animal sanctuary based in Holmeswood, Rufford, has today launched an urgent appeal to help it buy sufficient hay for its animals this coming winter.

Liz Gould from the Sanctuary said “ The hot , dry, summer turned our fields into dustbowls and we were forced to feed our reserves of hay to our ponies, donkeys, goats and sheep as we had no grazing. These conditions also affected the hay growers and the price of a bale of hay is going through the roof.”

The Sanctuary has secured a supply of hay which will see it through the winter and now has launched an urgent appeal to raise the £3,000 needed to pay for it.

Hay is in short supply which is forcing the price up and the Sanctuary is concerned that a point will be reached when there is no hay available or the price becomes unaffordable.

The Sanctuary is asking people to “ Buy a Bale “ through its website at https://www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary...olved/buyabale

Prices for a bale range from £5 for a small bale to £50 for a large bale or you can donate by post or in person to Woodlands Farm, Sandy Lane , Holmeswood L40 1UE. Cheques should be made payable to Woodlands Animal Sanctuary.

Woodlands next open day is their Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday 14 October from 11 am until 3 pm at their site in Holmeswood. If you would like to keep up to date with the work they are doing you can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit their website: www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk