Residences

 

1. Pennisfield Farm 55 Silver Street, Irlam, Manchester M44 6HT Tel: 0161 7752221

2. Field Of Dreams Leach Farm Swaindrod Lane Blackstone Edge Littleborough OL15 0LE Tel: 01706 371731

Founder & Chairman: Sylvia Durham MBE

President: Dave Eager

Patron: Tina O'Brien

 

Field Of Dreams is a property standing in approximately 75 acres of hillside near Hollingworth Lake. It was bought and donated by a very generous and kind woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, but is known affectionately as Judy H, the name of her much loved and sadly missed dog. It has been the home to many rescued, found and unwanted animals since 1999. The property at Irlam was bought and paid for by the charity management and has been the centre for small pets and injured wildlife since 1967.

 

 

An extremely hard working, dedicated manager, plus staff of the same ilk, give up a considerable amount of time in helping these poor mistreated and distressed animals. Not only are they treated and looked after but they are then retrained in order that one day they can be re-homed when a suitable owner becomes available and willing to take them on. To watch staff go about their tasks with such skill and devotion is a pleasure and a credit to each and every one of them.

 

 

Creatures cared for are extremely varied, from spiders, snakes, reptiles, birds - even owls, rodents, chinchillas, chipmunks, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, horses and many more. Imagine the learning curve and different skills involved in looking after them all! Orphaned ducklings for instance have to be allowed time until they develop their natural waterproofing before taking to the water, or they would drown. Shallow containers filled with water provide an ideal solution in which to monitor their progress in forming a defence to their natural environment. When safe to swim on the sanctuary pond they are then released back into the wild, usually on Hollingworth Lake!

 

 

 

The length to which rehabilitation work is taken is remarkable. For instance, a television projector has been erected in one of the stables to help a horse overcome its fear of movement behind him. Together with other hanging aids the horse is gradually coming to terms with this phobia. He has now become more domesticated and handler friendly, enabling staff to work around him. Let's hope one day he will find a good home.

 

 

 

 

Pigs have a mind of their own and are almost impossible to transport about. The pigs at the sanctuary are so large and old now; they will have to remain there. What they do require though is a proper field shelter instead of makeshift huts as shown. Other animals now enjoying a much happier life are the chinchillas and goat.

 

 

When battery hens provide insufficient eggs, by being overworked, with no rest and poor living conditions, farmers just dispose of them. Thankfully, rescuers step in to give these poor hens a second chance. 240 of the last batch received were found loving homes within 2 weeks. After some TLC and a well earned rest, the remainder are happily pecking around the property and laying nice fresh eggs again, enjoying a quality of life they could only previously dream of. Another batch is due shortly, so more homes will be needed. Hens are lovely little characters to have around and very amusing to watch. Our only regret is not having them sooner around our own property!

 

 

There are numerous peacocks which typify many people who have bought without thought, not realising the space and conditions these birds require to live happily in a suitable environment. Stunning they may look and was probably the foremost factor in choosing to buy one, but they are so inappropriate for the majority of homeowners.

 

 

 

 

Additional accommodation is desperately needed to look after these creatures properly. Most urgent is the completion of the reptile house which has no water or electric supplies and requires a large extract fan to remove extreme temperatures generated through the Perspex roof during summer months.

 

 

 

 

Next on the list is the renovation of internal puppy bays and access into an external exercise compound at the Irlam sanctuary. Ceramic wall tiles need removing, walls make good and a new door fitted into the outside wall, plus alterations to an external housing. A drawing detailing the work involved is available, as is the sponsorship money to pay for it.

 

For more about the Animals In Distress Charity visit www.animals-in-distress.net