Communities around the Gower and Mumbles have come together to help an animal sanctuary in need.

Woodfield Animal Sanctuary, based in Llanrhidian, has felt the impact of the pandemic, with restrictions preventing them from hosting their usual fundraising events or encouraging volunteers to help out.

Woodfield Animal Sanctuary has been running for eight years, after Robbie Bartington and David Wallis moved from Hertfordshire to Swansea to retire.

"We can't have open days, and open days are where we get our funds," said Mrs Bartington.

"Last Easter we had a two-day open day planned, and a week before we had to close because of Covid. We haven't reopened to the public since then.

"We normally have between, one every other month and maybe more in the summer but we've had none."

The sanctuary has turned to social media for help, regularly posting about ways in which the local community can help.

"Somebody did a swim on Boxing Day that raised £800 – I nearly collapsed. Another woman did a knitting circle and made £200. Somebody is doing a Zumba-thon. People can help in so many ways – by volunteering, donating, or fundraising."

The sanctuary has set up an Etsy page selling items such as face masks, with all money going towards the cause.

They have also created an Amazon wish list where people can buy supplies that the sanctuary will use on a daily basis.

"Every penny that comes in, goes out. My expenses at this moment in time are £2,500 a week. Every farthing we have, we've spent on the sanctuary," Mrs Bartington said.

"We've had over 300 rescued horses from South Wales through our doors. We have at this moment 75 ponies in our yard, where I live, in my home."

The sanctuary has many ponies that cannot be re-homed due to their challenging needs and have dedicated themselves to creating a 'safe haven' to provide permanent care for them.

"90 per cent of rescues are emaciated when they come in. That's the only reason I do it," Mrs Bartington said.

The sanctuary ultimately aims to return healthy horses to the commons on the Gower and end the problem of overgrazing and malnourishment.

This past year, they say, they have taken in more desperate cases than at any time in the past eight years. They say they have seen the impact of the current financial crisis on horse owners, some of whom have abandoned their horses.

The sanctuary tries to encourage locals to get involved in the rehabilitation of the rescues, inviting them to visit the ponies. However, the pandemic has put a stop to this due to the restrictions on visitors.

"Volunteers are limited because, officially, they shouldn't be here at all. We've got a few that have been with us for many years. I've had to increase staff and take on paid staff more than I would have done due to the fact that, officially, I can't have volunteers here."

Despite the difficulties faced by the sanctuary during the pandemic, the sanctuary has been bowled over by the response from their supporters.

"People during Covid have been fantastic. I've never known my supporters so helpful and so generous, stepping up to the plate as they have been through the pandemic," Mrs Bartington continued.

"The generosity is unbelievable. Even the poorest of the poor have helped with dog food, or cat food. There's been an extraordinary response from my followers. They've all given more than they ever had before."

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