'Lifeline' animal therapy farm saved as new venue found
BBCA "lifeline" animal therapy farm has been saved from closure after finding a new home.
Dave & Ewe has secured a new site to rent near Brinkworth after the charity was told it would have to leave its current field near Calne.
The charity, which helps school children and is home to ducks, sheep, goats and alpacas, has been described by one resident as a "lifeline" for kids and young adults.
Farm owner Dave Buscombe said he will likely have "to scale back both animals and children's visits" but will be able to continue "and that's the main thing".
Primary and secondary school children from across north Wiltshire and Swindon regularly visit Dave & Ewe to spend time with the animals and help maintain the stables.
"Each child is different, and what I do is I watch, I meet the child, I watch the animals with the child, and then I make an assessment," Buscombe added.
He said he still had "lots of hurdles to jump through," but that the service will be up and running by autumn.
Resident Ruth McGrady said it was "absolutely awesome news" the therapy farm will continue, adding it provides a "lifeline to so many children and young adults that need it".
Marlborough St Mary's CE Primary School teaching assistant Sarah Hart said that the "change of venue was a great opportunity for Dave to continue enhancing children's lives".
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