Dovedale Animal Sanctuary 

at Lower Damgate Farm

Welcome to Dovedale Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organisation that provides a forever loving home to rescued farm animals and wildlife. Founded it 1996 the farm is now home to over 100 animals including Alpacas, Goats, Sheep, Ducks, Chickens and Geese. In addition, we provide respite for wildlife including hedgehogs and other little critters who are later released back into the wild.

 All our animals have a story to tell. As well as rescuing them, we also work closely and spend time with them, providing care from the moment they arrive, building trust and confidence with time, love, food, medicine, husbandry, and housing, as well as dealing with any welfare and behaviour problems.

 Please be aware though that many of our animals are old and infirm, or if you see one limping or looking unwell, please don’t be perturbed, as they are well looked after but some do have long term health issues and are under permanent vet care.

 Over time the work we do enables our animals to feel safe and secure, to trust and feel comfortable again. Not every animal has had a bad start but in whatever circumstances they arrived at Dovedale Animal Sanctuary, the joy in looking after these animals is endless. Watching a sad, quiet, and often neglected animal turn into a loving confident and kind one, to see them thrive and gain confidence, and watch their characters develop is worth everything, even if they have long term illnesses, we know they are well cared for and happy.

 Sadly, at the moment our Sanctuary is not open to the general public, this is because we do not have the infrastructure, license or insurance needed to enable the public to visit. This is an expensive cost and some of our animals are under permanent vet care which financially outweighs anything else.

 The sanctuary is a non-profit organisation and mainly funded from our bookings and donations. In addition, all farm sales like eggs and jam or  are donated to the sanctuary and you can be assured that every penny goes to the animals.

If you are a resident guest on site in one of Lower Damgate Farm holiday cottages or visiting other guests at the farm, then you may meet our animals. Though a private sanctuary, our guests are welcome to join in with feeding or watch us working with the animals. We are happy to give you a pitch fork and a broom!

 Our animals love company and are very inquisitive. The goats and alpacas are very friendly, especially at feeding time! However, in the main the alpacas are a little standoffish, unless feed is around but will often hang back. Just let them come to you as they prefer quiet and calm. They make a perfect background for Alpaca Yoga!

 The Goats on the other hand can be quite mischievous and boisterous around feeding time, though once their tummies are full they turn into the most relaxed and easy going animals. They love to come and sit with you, and follow you around for company, the perfect companion when sitting reading a book! very doglike. However none of our animals are pets and care is always needed around them. They say hello by butting you or nudging you, and if you are feeding them stay in the safe enclosed area. at other times just wander the fields and they will just mind their own business, unless they think you have food! 

If any of our guests are nervous around animals, we will happily spend some time with your alleviating your fears. Animals are like humans and have individual characters and emotions, as well as good days and bad days. Normally mostly good days as long as they have food, a place to stay and love and attention.  

  Our hens and ducks and geese are also all rescued and our guests are welcome to collect eggs from the laying boxes outside the hen house, alternately we leave some end the end of the road for locals, so first come first served!

We also rescue hedgehogs and though solitary and nocturnal animals you’ll sometimes see them scurrying about, especially in the spring when they come out of hibernation and look for a mate. We have a number of hibernation pods dotted around the farm, in the woods and hidden in safe places. these are filled with the Alpaca wool as well as natural bedding to keep them warm whilst sleeping. 

We also have our own beetle and bug house, which has grown into quite a city since we first built it. 

Our hens often roam all around the farm and Free-range eggs means that the hens are not dependant on artificial warmth to lay, so please don’t be disappointed if there are only a few eggs! A recommended donation for the eggs is £1.50 per ½ dozen unless you are resident and then you are welcome to them for free!

Lower Damgate Farm isn’t just a sanctuary for animals, but for us as well and we look forward to sharing our rural tranquil and serene setting with you soon. 

All Donations go to support the Animals at Dovedale Animal Sanctuary. Thank You