Pets & Wildlife

HAPPY EVER AFTER

Director Kelly Larkin

Two decades of caring for ponies and people are at the heart of this Cheshire sanctuary, where there’s no such thing as too much pampering or relaxation

Solo enjoys some pampering from Roxana

Romeo has overcome his fears

If you’ve spent any time in Cheshire you’ll have noticed it’s a pretty horsey place. There are reputedly more equine vets here than anywhere else in Britain. But to the west, tucked behind Helsby Hill in the village of Alvanley, is somewhere extraordinary even for these parts, a haven for horses and horse-lovers alike.

Spirit of the Herd is a sanctuary with a difference. As Kelly Larkin, one of its three directors explains: “It’s about ponies helping people helping ponies.”

The not-for-profit organisation was founded 20 years ago by Valerie Kear and has been in its present location for the past six. Its four-legged residents are all rescues from situations of neglect or abuse, or simply from owners who could no longer look after them.

From fearful to friendly

Along with her colleagues, all of whom give their time voluntarily, Kelly helps to rehabilitate the animals they rehome. Through patiently building up trust they’ve transformed previously fearful ponies such as Romeo, who had issues with his legs being touched, to the point where they’re totally relaxed at being handled, even by visitors. The handsome piebald is now a firm favourite at the sanctuary’s wellness sessions, which can be booked by anyone who’d like to relax in the calming company of the ponies, grooming, stroking or just chatting to them. According to Kelly, these hour-long sessions are particularly beneficial for adults and children with complex needs, lacking in confidence or suffering from stress and anxiety. The funds raised from these regular events help towards the considerable expense of caring for the sanctuary’s 23 charges, which are comprised of three separate herds: the retirements, the heavy-set cobs and the miniature Shetlands.

the point where they’re totally relaxed at being handled, even by visitors. a firm favourite at the sanctuary’s wellness sessions, which can be booked by anyone who’d like to relax in the calming company of the ponies, grooming, stroking or just chatting to them. According to Kelly, these hour-long sessions are particularly beneficial for adults Birthday girl Roxana and children with complex needs, lacking in confidence or suffering and anxiety. The funds raised from these regular events help towards the considerable expense of caring for the sanctuary’s

Little legends

Due to their size and sociable nature, the Shetlands are often the stars of the sanctuary’s pony pamper sessions. Young visitors can groom, plait and decorate the manes and tails of the ponies, who far from minding, sometimes relax so much they fall asleep! It makes for the perfect family outing or, in eight-yearold Roxana’s case, a special birthday treat. “It was so much fun meeting Solo and the other ponies. I can’t wait to come back again,” she said.

The sanctuary has big plans for the future and hopes in time to become a community hub, where people can drop in throughout the day. Set amid wonderful countryside and just a stone’s throw from the 34-mile Sandstone Trail, it’s certainly ideally placed to offer an equine oasis away from everyday life.

Spirit of the Herd is at The Ridgeway, Alvanley WA6 6XQ. To book a pony pamper, wellness session or enquire about volunteering opportunities, drop a Facebook message to @spiritoftheherd or email spiritoftheherd53@gmail.com “Shetlands are the stars of the pamper sessions. Far from minding, they sometimes relax so much they fall asleep!”

BEAVERS ON BOARD TO HELP RESTORE NATURE

Following on from our reports of beavers being successfully reintroduced to parts of the Shire patch, Wildlife Trust experts explain why the animals are so important

The Wildlife Trusts in Wales are leading a project to help restore nature on the River Dyfi, including delivering a managed reintroduction of beavers, as previously reported in Shire.

The Dyfi Catchment Natural Restoration Project aims to help restore nature and improve water management using sustainable solutions – one of which is the humble beaver. Beavers (Castor fiber) were once widespread across the Welsh countryside, but due to being hunted by man for their fur, meat and scent glands, they became extinct around the Middle Ages. The Wildlife Trusts are working to bring them back to Wales because of the important role they can play in enriching biodiversity and helping to restore and manage rivers and wetlands. The Dyfi catchment has been proposed as the first pilot release site.

Beaver benefits

Beavers are known as a ‘keystone species’ because their activities benefit a wide range of other animals and plants that also live in rivers and wetlands. By dam-building and otherwise shaping their habitat, they also slow down waterflow through river catchment areas, which can help to alleviate downstream flooding, stabilise water tables, reduce erosion and improve water quality. The Welsh Beaver Project, led by North Wales Wildlife Trust on behalf of all five trusts in Wales, has been investigating

“They reintroducing the creatures for many years. Thanks to can help funding from the Welsh Government’s Enabling Natural alleviate flooding and reduce Resources and Well-being (ENRaW) scheme, it is now hoping to undertake a managed reintroduction. The project also aims to plant trees near to water courses throughout the area to improve wildlife corridors, stabilise erosion” riverbanks and slow the flow of water through the landscape. It is keen to hear from landholders wishing to get involved. Alicia Leow-Dyke, Welsh Beaver Project officer, said “Beavers are a sustainable, nature-based solution to help tackle the problems our rivers and wetlands face. With this support from the Government we’ll be engaging with local communities to explain everything they need to know about beavers and our plans for the future.” Read more at northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/welshbeaverproject

PUPPY POINTERS

Helen Edwards had always dreamt of owning a dog. But when she arrived home with eight-week-old Zuchon pup Archie, excitement gave way to panic.

“Nothing I’d read prepared me for how overwhelmed I’d feel,” says Helen, who is originally from North Wales but now lives in Shropshire. “I hadn’t rushed into things. I researched breeds. I read up on life with a dog and what I’d need for my puppy during the early days. But no matter how prepared you think you are, you’re in for the shock of your life. It’s very hard work.”

When Archie was two, Helen decided to write a book about her experiences.

“I thought that if I could help even one new puppy parent, my job would be done. The book seemed to resonate with people so I wrote a sequel, focusing on life with a young adult dog. Archie didn’t want to be left out, of course, so he got a book of his own: The Secret Diary of Archie the Zuchon.” Archie is five now. “There have been plenty of ups and downs but I can’t imagine life without him,” “Nothing I’d read says Helen. “So, if you’ve just brought home your furry friend and are feeling overwhelmed, prepared anxious or just plain exhausted, me” you’re not alone. Your new best friend is going to be cute, funny, loveable – and hard work!”

Cute Pets

Bradeley Green, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4HD www.petcetera.co.uk

WIN

a £25 voucher for

Bradeley Green pet store in Whitchurch, to spend in-store or online at petcetera.co.uk

Duckie

Puddles and Tiddles

Ziggy the miniature Schnauzer Happy Harry

Flu y

Indie

Merlin with his red bow

Penny the Cardigan corgi

Congratulations to Eszter, owner of She Ra who wins this issue’s Cute Pets competition!

Mo Eric

Pancake Bobby and Teddy

Bengi Mu n the labrador pup She Ra

Charlie

Tommy

Jasper Martha as a pup Alfi e and Millie

Marley the chinchilla

Win some pet treats! To enter, email a photograph of your pet and their name to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk and the Shire team will pick the winner!