Severn Valley Rescue appeal after £50k-worth weather damage forces closure
The donkey sanctuary has cancelled their February half term open days
Last updated 9th Feb 2026
Severn Valley Rescue has announced the temporary closure of its sanctuary, cancelling February half-term open days due to severe weather damage.
The decision, made for health and safety reasons, follows a harsh winter with snow, storms, and heavy rainfall.
Fences and gates have been affected, and paths have become boggy.
The sanctuary needs around £50,000 for repairs, a spokesperson said.
The sanctuary hopes to reopen by Easter if enough money is raised.
A GoFundMe has been set up, which can be found here.
"I’m hoping we can survive..."
In a Facebook post, a spokesperson for Severn Valley Rescue said, "I spent the day in tears and I am unsure whether we can even recover from this.
"In order to get all the work done, the paddocks need hardcore, the paths redone, the fencing repaired - we will need about £50,000 and I don’t even know if that’s achievable.
"But here I am, asking whether it’s worth trying.
"I’m hoping we can survive, it’s been one of the longest, hardest winters - and it’s not even over yet.
"But I’m launching our winter recovery appeal in the hope that we can raise funds, or get offers of help from skilled people to repair some of the damage.
"Please help keep our little sanctuary open."