On Saturday 8th of June, our sanctuary opened its gates to the public for a fun-filled summer Open Day, and what an incredible day it was! We welcomed visitors from far and wide, all eager to experience the heart-warming environment we’ve created for our rescued animals.
From ‘meet the pigs’ and ‘meet the chickens’ experiences to exciting enrichment demos and bustling stalls, the day was packed with activities that delighted all ages!
Our visitors had the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with many of our beloved animals. The ‘meet the pigs’ and ‘meet the chickens’ experiences were particularly popular. Here, visitors learned about the individual stories of our animals and the importance of sanctuaries like ours.
A highlight of the day were our animal enrichment demos led by our Animal Care Team. Visitors were fascinated to learn about the importance of enrichment games and activities for our animals’ well-being. Watching our pigs enjoy their scent-based enrichment was a joy, showcasing just how much these activities contribute to their happiness and health.
Our Open Day featured a variety of non-food stallholders, from handmade crafts to artwork, clothing, and vegan beauty products. These small businesses added a vibrant market atmosphere to the event. For foodies, two hot food vendors served up delicious meals, and our doughnut and cake sellers were a hit, providing sweet treats that everyone enjoyed.
Visitors explored our Pig Barn, Goodheart Home for Rescued Hens, and our brand new Merry Rehabilitation and Special Care Unit, all built thanks to generous donations.
The Outdoor Education Area, with organic raised vegetable beds, lawn games, and a home for rescued rabbits, was a hit with families. Kids loved the drop-in craft workshops, where they made wildflower seed balls and animal masks, sparking creativity and an interest in nature conservation.
Those animals who love meeting people were out in their paddock areas during the day. Our cheeky goat gang stole the spotlight, posing and prancing for the camera, while our pigs kept visitors fascinated with their mud wallowing and nest building activities!
Signage around the site told of our rescued animal’s inspiring stories – from Bob the sheep, found as an orphaned lamb, to our rescued hens, saved from a battery farm and finally able to feel grass beneath their feet!
The success of our Open Day was evident in the glowing feedback we received from volunteers and visitors alike. One volunteer shared, “It was an absolutely fantastic day. We loved helping out and it’s always a thrill to get up close and personal with so many wonderful animals.” Another added, “Had a great day volunteering with the chickens and cows. Can’t wait to help out at the next one too.”
Visitors were equally enthusiastic. One guest said, “We loved our visit. It was so beautiful to see such a well thought out sanctuary, providing these precious beings with everything they need and deserve. Thank you for all that you do.” Another visitor, who travelled up from Bristol, exclaimed, “Had a fabulous time! Kermit & Pumba completely stole my heart. We’d love to visit again! Loved the doughnuts & the no fricken chicken!”
We are thrilled to announce that our Summer Open Day raised an impressive £5,797 for the sanctuary! These funds will go directly towards our core running costs, helping to pay for the feed and vet bills for our 300+ animals.
The money raised ensures that we can continue to provide the highest level of care for our residents and maintain the sanctuary as a safe haven for animals in need.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered, and contributed to the success of our Summer Open Day. Your support is invaluable and allows us to continue our mission of rescuing and caring for animals in need. We look forward to welcoming you back to our sanctuary soon, and we are excited about the future projects and events we have planned.
Our next Open Day promises to be just as exciting, with more activities, more stalls, and, of course, more opportunities to meet our wonderful animals. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates, and thank you once again for making our summer Open Day a day to remember!
If you’d like to volunteer at our next Open Day, or keep up to date with our upcoming events, sign up to our email list here.
Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, The Nickless, Milson, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY14 0BE
© Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries. All Rights Reserved.
Reg Charity No. 1162923
