An equine charity has welcomed back visitors to one of its centres which was forced to shut last month after flash flooding damaged areas of the 200-acre site.
World Horse Welfare reopened the doors to Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset, one of the charity’s four rescue and rehoming centres which is home to 90 equine residents, last week.
A storm and heavy rain at the end of January led to flash flooding which damaged fields and affected the ground floor of two bungalows used as groom’s accommodation, as well as the Visitor Centre.
No horses or staff were injured in the flooding. Staff members whose accommodation was affected have been provided with temporary accommodation while the clean up continues.
Flash flooding
The video below shows two of the charity’s horses being led through the running flood water:
“It was like nothing we had ever seen before. We are pretty used to wet weather – living in Somerset – but it was like someone had tipped the sea into our farm,” said farm manager Claire Dickie.
“Now the initial clean-up has finished we are looking forward to welcoming our supporters back. They can once again enjoy the coffee shop, Visitor Centre, crew yards and play area, as well as a short walk around the paddocks.
“Unfortunately, due to flood damage, the farm walks remain closed until further notice while repairs are under way.”
World Horse Welfare’s other rescue and rehoming centres – Belwade Farm in Aberdeenshire, Hall Farm in Norfolk and Penny Farm in Blackpool – were unaffected.
World Horse Welfare wanted to thank everyone who offered help and support during the incident.
Main image and video © World Horse Welfare.
