Make friends with donkeys at sanctuary near Buxton's summer fair

The Donkey Sanctuary in Derbyshire is holding its summer fair on Sunday August 7.

The free summer event gives people the chance to meet and greet the resident donkeys and chat to staff and volunteers about their work.

Refreshments will be available, including a barbecue and hot drinks, while the gift shop will have a host of donkey-inspired gifts and souvenirs for sale.

Set in the heart of the Peak District, just six miles south of Buxton, the sanctuary covers almost 30 acres and is home to 33 donkeys.

The Derbyshire sanctuary, which is not normally open to the public, provides a permanent refuge to a small number of donkeys, some of whom are elderly and have long-term medical conditions.

If considered suitable, other fit and healthy donkeys relinquished into the centre are put forward to be rehomed with a Donkey Guardian on The Donkey Sanctuary’s Rehoming Scheme.

Donkey Guardians are essential to The Donkey Sanctuary, providing safe loving homes for hundreds of donkeys. The rehoming scheme helps to free up vital space in the charity’s sanctuaries for donkeys who require more specialist care.

Chris Pile, Centre Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary Derbyshire, said: “The past couple of years have been difficult for everyone and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our annual summer fair.

“As we are not normally open to visitors, it is a great opportunity for people to come and meet our donkeys and hear about our work.”

The centre’s open day takes place on Sunday, between 10am and 3pm. All proceeds support the work of The Donkey Sanctuary.

The event is free, and booking is not required.

The Derbyshire sanctuary is located on the A515 Ashbourne Road near the Bull i’ th’ Thorn Inn, six miles south of Buxton.

For more information, visit: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/events/07-08-2022/derbyshire-summer-fair.