FOAL FARM
THE WILDWOOD TRUST
It all started with a neglected German Shepherd called Rex , whose existence had been resigned to life on a chain . That was until Carl and Penny Baker rescued the poor soul , and provided him with a sanctuary where he could learn how to be a dog , and to once again build trust in humans . One more dog , a cat and ten horses later ... and Friends of Animals League or FOAL Farm ( www . foalfarm . org . uk ) as it is better known , was born .
Fast forward 60 years and the farm is still a thriving sanctuary living out the legacy of little Rex and the Bakers , with the aim of taking in as many abused and unwanted animals as they can adequately care for and rehabilitate . Every year the centre re-homes an astonishing 500 cats , dogs and small animals , while also permanently caring for over 100 horses , pigs , cows , donkeys , and all manner of other adorable furry creatures on their 26-acre farm .
One of the extra special things about Foal Farm is that you can support this incredible charity in so many ways . Donation is of course the most traditional way of showing support for a charity , and it ’ s a classic for a reason , at Foal Farm you can even donate to specific animal ’ s individual projects ! If you have always wanted a four legged companion of your very own then why not consider adopting , or if you love animals but aren ’ t in a position to provide a home for one just yet , that ’ s okay too ! Simply take a trip up to Biggin Hill and explore the farm , which is open everyday except Tuesdays from 1.30pm - 4.30pm , or pop along to one of the farm ’ s Large Animal Tours which run sporadically throughout the year . Tickets for the Large Animal Tours are £ 5 per person and sell out quickly so be quick and snap some up while you still can !
The Wildwood Trust ( wildwoodtrust . org ) is nothing short of an institution in Kent . Founded in 1999 , the centre focuses mostly on wildlife native to the UK and has been heralded as Kent ’ s best British wildlife park . And with conservation programs that range from bat rehabilitation , to the captive breeding programs of water voles , wildcats and a whole host of other animals , plus the re-introduction of the red squirrel and hazel dormouse into areas of the UK that they had been made extinct , it is easy to see why ; Wildwood is doing more than their fair share of conservation work .
When you enter the 40 acres of ancient woodland that houses more than 200 animals , you can immediately feel that there is a tranquility about the place . Seeing all manner of animals including wolves , deer , wild boar and bison at such peace is a special kind of magic that families , couples and individuals have been enjoying since the opening of the park .
Wildwood ’ s vision and values for the future of conservation , and the future for their park align perfectly , with the ultimate aim to protect vulnerable animals , repopulate depleted species and to inspire the general public to care about the incredible eco-systems that are all around them , and to encourage them to advocate for the protection of the natural world .
Wildwood ’ s latest heart-warming tale of friendship and the wonders of conservation comes in the form of keeper Stu and his newborn fallow deer Bonnie , whose mother sadly rejected her at birth . Luckily Stu was more than happy to step up to his new role as ‘ mum ’ and the duo are now attached at the hip , with Bonnie loyally following Stu around the park , happily exploring her new home with her best friend by her side . Be sure to pay Stu , Bonnie and all the other beautiful animals a visit everyday from 10am- 5pm , for £ 13.45 .
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