15 May 2020

#CoronaChronicles: Week Eight

Following the Government’s latest announcement on Sunday, some areas of the UK are now moving into a new phase of the lockdown.

Whilst England in particular is heading towards a tentative relaxation of the restrictions, it’s important to realise that any easing of the current rules is conditional and significant constraints on our daily lives still exist for all of us.

At the Sanctuary, we are regularly monitoring the guidance released by the Government and using this to review our procedures and plans for the future, as we have since the start of the crisis.

For now, at Redwings, little will change. Our visitor centres will remain closed, staff who can work from home will continue to do so, and those who provide essential care to our rescued horses - and so need to travel to our sanctuary sites - will continue to adhere to the new working practices we put in place at the beginning of the lockdown, albeit with some easing as time goes on in line with Government advice.

And, of course, our commitment towards looking after our rescued horses and donkeys remains as strong as ever.

Please take a look at our previous editions of the #CoronaChronicles for further details of how our veterinary, welfare and care teams have adapted their practices over the last two months.

If the easing of the lockdown is successful, we look forward to being able to bring you more significant updates.

In the meantime, we continue to ask for your support. As outlined in last week’s #CoronaChronicles, the Covid-19 outbreak has significantly impacted our fundraising in numerous ways, including the closure of our visitor centres, cancelled community events and rising costs.

To make a donation to our emergency coronavirus appeal, and help us face the challenges of the coming months, please click here. Thank you to everyone who has been able to contribute so far.

Despite the tough times, our supporters continue to amaze us with their thoughtfulness and generosity. Just this week, a farmer local to our Caldecott visitor centre in Norfolk donated a large delivery of feed. Cob pony Ava was more than happy to pose with the incredible donation (and probably hoped to enjoy a mouthful herself!) which will go a long way to supporting our rescued horses as the lockdown continues.

Companies have also continued to show their support. Sadly, today we have announced the cancellation of the annual Redwings Show, which was due to take place near Ipswich this July, as a result of the outbreak. However, SEIB Insurance Brokers, who were sponsoring this year’s event, have generously donated £5,000 towards our appeal instead.

If you’d like to find out more ways you can support and get involved with Redwings from your own home, including taking part in our online fundraisers such as the Redwings Show Online or the Redwings Mane Event, please just click here.

Thank you #RedwingsAngels!