New trailer helps goat rescue farm at Sutton on Sea expand its therapy work
The valuable work carried out by a farm at Sutton on Sea that cares for neglected and unwanted goats has been given a big boost.
For a new, made-to-measure trailer, designed to transport the animals and described as “a game-changer”, has been delivered.
Hensell Goat Rescue Care Farm is a friendly sanctuary based at Woodbine Cottage Farm on Huttoft Road in Sutton.
It offers rescued goats a loving home and also provides animal-assisted therapy sessions, bringing the calming presence of goats to those who need it most.
Last year, the centre launched an online appeal to buy a new trailer, so that it could visit people in need of therapy across the East Lindsey district.
More than £2,000 was raised thanks to donations via the South and East Lincolnshire Crowd crowdfunding website. And this figure was doubled by the East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF).
Now the trailer has been bought, enabling Hensell to expand its therapy work and visit places such as schools, care homes and hospitals.
Gillian Henshaw, who runs the centre, said she had been “absolutely overwhelmed” by how quickly supporters responded to the appeal. As a result, staff had been able to carry out their work at many more places than usual.
She commented: “We visit lots of places with limited access and parking, so we needed something we could park on a nearby driveway and then take the goats inside safely.
"Goats can be a bit naughty, so to be able to transport them in a purpose-built trailer is amazing and a game-changer for us.”
Hensell Goat Rescue Care Farm is run by volunteers and relies on donations for financial support. Every penny it receives goes directly to the welfare of its animals.
The farm is open to visitors every Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, but all kinds of other activities and experiences can be booked via its website.
ELIF, run by East Lindsey District Council, was set up in 2024, with the aim of providing grants and funding for projects that improve communities, support businesses and boost tourism and the visitor economy within the area.