Shropshire animal sanctuary upping sticks to new home

Now they're on the move again after outgrowing the massive 38-acre site.

But this time they're not going far, having snapped up a property with double the land just down the road in Llangunllo, Knighton.

Their army of rescue animals, including donkeys, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas, ducks, chickens, rabbits, budgies and cats will also be moved to the new site.

"We rescue anything," Tina explained. "We're a sanctuary for life and we specialise in end-of-life animal care.

"Every single animal gets an animal funeral with a cremation - they mean the world to us."

The couple's love for animals was expedited ten years ago when James had a life-changing car accident.

Tina said: "James lost his leg in 2017. The animals really helped him, they're his world. I think they saved him"

Wanting to share the healing power of animals with the world, the pair welcome visitors to their sanctuary.

"We do a lot with youngsters and we encourage people with injuries, stress and learning difficulties to come and spend some time with the animals," Tina said.

As well as hosting visitors, the sanctuary hosts a live nativity each year, as well as open days. A dedicated team of volunteers help the couple look after their flock.

Their current home, near Rhos Fiddle Nature Reserve, is currently on the market for £1.2 million.

The stunning four-bedroom detached property is surrounded by 38 acres, with a range of outbuildings including traditional stone barns.

Tina said the house would be perfect for adventurous hobby farmers.

"The area is amazing; the beauty and the natural environment," she said.

"And the house has a rich history, lots of atmosphere. It's very private. We'd be here forever, but it's just not working for the sanctuary any more.

"We've got a waiting list of animals waiting to come in; ponies, goats and a couple of horses and sheep that will be joining us the minute we hit the ground at the new place."

She said since the pandemic ended, the sanctuary's phone "never stopped ringing".

"When people went back to work we had a lot of calls about birds and poultry - chicken, geese, they often need a lot more effort than people think.

"The animals often are necessarily here because of cruelty, there's a lot of people really struggling. The cost of living has a lot to do with it, people can't afford to keep their animals.

"We do fostering as well, so if people do hand over their animals and are able to have them back they can, and they can come visit."

Upon moving, the sanctuary will change its name to The Orinoco Animal Sanctuary after Tina's beloved Fell pony that died last year, aged 33.

Their current home is being listed by Holters Estate Agents, and is available to view online at rightmove.co.uk/properties/138375497