Home Blog Page 26

Community drive aims to revive story of devastating Torrington clash

Devon Today
-
0
Community drive aims to revive story of devastating Torrington clash

A bid to bring one of England’s most overlooked Civil War clashes back into the spotlight is gathering pace, as a new community project aims to retell the story of a brutal battle that shaped the nation’s future.

The Last Bastion project has been launched to commemorate the Battle of Torrington in 1646, with organisers hoping to establish an annual event that both remembers the tragedy and celebrates the culture and history of North Devon.

The project focuses on the role of Roborough, which lay along the route taken by the New Model Army as it marched towards Torrington. Historical accounts describe how troops led by General Fairfax, alongside Oliver Cromwell, passed through the area before engaging Royalist forces.

According to the project, the battle marked a decisive moment in the English Civil War. It was the last major opportunity for Royalist forces to challenge Parliament’s army, with intense fighting reported across the approaches to Torrington. Resistance eventually collapsed following an explosion of gunpowder stored in the town’s church, bringing a violent end to the conflict.

The organisers say the impact of the day extended far beyond the battlefield. They link the события to wider political change, noting that decades later the Glorious Revolution established that the monarch could act only with the consent of Parliament.

The initiative also seeks to highlight the experiences of local people who witnessed the الأحداث first-hand. Villages such as Roborough would have been filled with soldiers, horses and camp followers, placing significant strain on communities as armies moved through the area.

As part of the project, residents are being invited to take part in a series of drama workshops in June. Participants will work with organisers Margaret Jewell, Amanda May and Robert Barber to create a short theatre piece inspired by the historical events. The production is expected to be rehearsed later in the year ahead of a performance at Torrington Town and Community Hall.

Earlier this year, two pilot events were held to mark the anniversary. One involved a walk by veterans retracing the route from Chulmleigh to Torrington, followed by a procession and remembrance at the burial mound in the church. A second event featured a talk examining the circumstances surrounding the gunpowder explosion.

Robert Barber said the response had encouraged organisers to expand the programme in future years. He is now inviting people with an interest in history or the arts to get involved, adding that no prior theatre experience is required.

Those wishing to take part can contact Mr Barber by email at randjquest@gmail.com or by phone on 07875587392.

Council removes toilet CCTV after privacy backlash from public

Devon Today
-
0
Council removes toilet CCTV after privacy backlash from public

Privacy concerns have prompted a council to remove CCTV cameras from accessible toilets in a new gender-neutral toilet block.

Teignmouth Town Council said it had listened to public feedback after concerns were raised about cameras in the facilities.

The council said the cameras had now been removed from the accessible toilets “to ensure the highest respect for individual privacy”.

In a statement, Teignmouth Town Council said: “While these cameras were never able to film inside stalls when doors were closed, we fully recognise and understand the concerns raised by members of our community.

“Your feedback is important to us, and we are committed to balancing privacy with the need for safety.”

The council said cameras would remain in hallways, where it said they play a role in tackling vandalism and drug use.

It added that repeated incidents had previously forced the toilets to close, costing the council thousands of pounds and leaving the public without facilities.

The statement continued: “These are real challenges we must address to keep our toilets open and safe for everyone.

“We want to reassure the community that all CCTV systems are carefully positioned to enhance safety while maintaining respect for personal privacy.

“Our aim is to provide a welcoming, secure environment for all users, and we will continue to review our approach in light of ongoing feedback.”

Tiverton stink row deepens as councillors clash with water firm

Lewis Clarke
-
0
Tiverton stink row deepens as councillors clash with water firm

A lingering and often overpowering smell has left residents frustrated, councillors demanding answers, and a water company under increasing scrutiny – with a packed public meeting laying bare the scale of concern across Tiverton.

Dozens of residents gathered on Friday, April 17 to voice concerns over what has become known locally as the “Tiverton whiff”, an intermittent odour that many say has worsened in recent months and is affecting daily life across parts of the town.

The meeting, attended by local councillors and Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour, focused on the suspected source of the smell and what action, if any, is being taken to resolve it.

Opening the discussion, Ms Gilmour said she had been approached by numerous residents in recent months, particularly those living near Collipriest and in the Ashley area.

She said: “Over the past months several people have come to see me about the issue around Collipriest and in Ashley and in that area who have been subject to the wafts that come from the South West Water facility.

“The purpose of this meeting is to address the odour which is particularly noticeable in the Ashley area of Tiverton and can at times impact the whole town.”

Residents have reported that the smell is often strongest in the mornings, can persist for several hours, and has become both more frequent and more intense over time.

Ms Gilmour added: “We cannot be 100% sure that the smell is coming from the sewage works, but there does not seem to be another credible candidate for such a persistent odour.”

Concerns raised at the meeting centred on the nearby South West Water sewage treatment works, with councillors highlighting both operational practices and a significant increase in activity at the site in recent years.

Councillor Adam Stirling, Mid Devon District Council member for Westexe, said complaints about the smell were not new but had intensified since he took office.

He said: “There has been a lot of comment regarding the Tiverton whiff and this goes back years and years and year.

“Since becoming a councillor for Westexe in June 2024, a number of residents have contacted me with their experiences of this very unpleasant smell.”

Cllr Stirling referenced a response from South West Water to a complaint in 2022/23, in which the company said it was “truly sorry” residents were experiencing odours from the treatment works and acknowledged that sludge processing could produce smells during certain operations.

He said this appeared to suggest the company recognised the site as a potential source, even if it had not definitively accepted responsibility.

The councillor also outlined how the issue has been raised repeatedly through official channels, including scrutiny meetings at Mid Devon District Council and direct correspondence with the water company.

“In May 2025 South West Water responded formally to Mid Devon District Council and acknowledged the issue but they tried to downplay it,” he said.

“Around this point I wrote directly to South West Water because I was getting a lot of complaints and feedback from people in the Ashley area.”

Cllr Stirling added that he had gathered data from residents, including reports of at least 20 separate occasions over a few months when the smell was particularly severe.

He said: “We believe it is likely the smell is linked to the treatment of the sludge to the lime which is an old-fashioned technique other water companies have moved away from.”

According to figures presented at the meeting, Tiverton’s site now processes a significant proportion of sewage sludge from across the wider region.

Ms Gilmour said: “Tiverton processed the largest quantity of sludge of all South West Water sites in Devon and Cornwall.

“The vast majority of this is transported into the site by lorry including some from Cornwall.”

She outlined how large percentages of sludge from multiple locations – including Plymouth, Bude, Okehampton and Kingsbridge – are transported to Tiverton for treatment.

Statistics discussed at the meeting indicated that sludge volumes at the site increased sharply between 2021/22 and 2022/23, rising by more than 270%, and have continued to grow since.

Ms Gilmour said: “South West Water cited a regulatory change at the time and admitted there was no consultation with the people of Tiverton at that time or indeed hence.”

Councillor Steve Lodge, Devon County Council member for Tiverton West, said he and colleagues had met with South West Water representatives to discuss the issue.

He said: “In that meeting South West Water confirmed a significant increase in sewage sludge as we have heard, being treated, nearly tripled and deliveries coming as far away as Liskeard 85 miles away.”

Cllr Lodge said the company had suggested the smell could be linked not only to the treatment process itself but also to the transportation of sludge through the town.

He added: “Alan Burrows, council liaison officer at South West Water, acknowledged the smell could be linked to lorry movements as they transport sludge through Tiverton and Ashley, not just the treatment process on site.”

“He also suggested he is not confident that the odour issues are not South West Water and he suggested other agricultural premises or it could be caused by what he described as ‘the old Ashley tip’.”

Cllr Lodge added that Devon County Council had confirmed there was no smell originating from the Ashley Recycling Centre, while local farmers had said they too were affected by the odour.

Another key concern raised at the meeting was the lack of consultation with residents prior to the increase in sludge processing.

Cllr Lodge said: “When we asked why the public was not consulted about the 270% increase in activity South West Water said they were not legally required to consult the community as long as they remained within their environment permit.”

While the company maintains it is operating within legal limits, councillors argued that compliance alone was not sufficient given the impact on residents.

Short-term solutions were also discussed, including the possible installation of odour control systems.

Cllr Lodge said: “We asked why no fogging or misting system is being used.

“South West Water said they were looking at installing an odour abatement spray to neutralise the smell in the air, however this has not yet been installed because the current water pipe to the site is too small to provide the necessary pressure.”

He said funding had been set aside to upgrade the pipe after April, but no firm timeline had been provided for when any system would become operational.

Looking further ahead, councillors were told the company plans to transition to advanced anaerobic digestion – a cleaner technology used more widely across the industry – but this could take up to ten years.

Cllr Lodge said: “The council believes this is far too long for residents to wait for relief.”

The issue of responsibility was also a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with councillors criticising what they described as a lack of accountability.

Cllr Lodge said: “Passing the buck to environmental health is not a satisfactory answer to the communities concerned and that is why we called this public meeting tonight.”

Councillor Claudette Harrower, Mid Devon District Council member for Westexe, spoke about both the financial and personal impact of the situation.

She said: “South West Water have failed to answer questions we have sent them and they have done that at least twice.”

Cllr Harrower also described a personal experience involving a lorry carrying slurry.

She said: “As it went in front of me the load tipped a little bit and I ended up driving through the slurry which had dropped on the front of my car so I witnessed and smelled first hand the slurry and it was awful.

“Do not tell me it does not smell.”

She added: “We are still trying and we will not give up, but South West Water need to co-operate more, take on the responsibility of their business and not keep telling people to phone the council.”

A statement from South West Water was presented at the meeting, acknowledging complaints from residents while stopping short of accepting full responsibility.

The company said: “South West Water is aware of odour complaints from residents in the Ashley area of Tiverton and we take any complaints of this nature very seriously.”

It added: “Although we do acknowledge odours from the sewage treatment process will travel in some circumstances, we are also aware of other potential sources of odour from the vicinity.”

The company said it is reviewing its sewage sludge strategy across Devon and Cornwall and is also considering whether deodorising units could help reduce odours at the Tiverton site.

However, it said effective use of such systems depends on having a suitable pressurised water supply.

South West Water also stated that more detailed reporting from residents could assist in identifying patterns and potential sources.

It said: “We can review and amend operational practices at specific sites if there is detailed information on when and where odours are occurring.

“Unfortunately we have not been provided this level of information.”

The company added that Mid Devon District Council’s environmental health team may be able to assist in future investigations, particularly given the presence of other potential sources in the area.

Despite these assurances, many at the meeting expressed frustration at what they see as a lack of urgency and clarity.

Residents were urged to continue reporting incidents of odour, with councillors stressing that accurate and consistent data would be vital in building a case for further action.

Ms Gilmour said: “Reporting the smell is really important and reporting it in an appropriate way is really important.”

A website was created to report incidents at www.tivertonsmell.info

DEVON VOICES : The End of Life Bill has run out of time

Rebecca Smith
-
0
DEVON VOICES : The End of Life Bill has run out of time

The Terminally Ill Adult (End of Life) Bill has today run out of time.

This means it will not progress any further and will not become law.

I have been open about the fact I do not support the principle of assisted dying/ assisted suicide. This is why I chose to vote against it at every opportunity. Many of my constituents supported my position. However, I am very aware that many people desperately wanted this bill to become law and want the option of assisted dying. I appreciate that they will be bitterly disappointed.

It is important to note that supporters of assisted dying chose to use a Private Members Bill as the mechanism to pursue a change in the law. The challenge with taking this route is that there is no pre-legislative scrutiny and limited time in the House of Commons for scrutiny on the floor of the House or in Committee. MPs from across the House of Commons worked to highlight the flaws in the draft bill and sought to improve it at every turn.

During the Commons Report Stage debate, I was able to raise only one of the concerns I, and colleagues, had about the bill.

Since the vote in the House of Commons, the House of Lords has spent a considerable amount of time debating it. Many amendments have been tabled from both sides of the argument, as they were in the House of Commons. It is important to note that whilst there were a significant number of amendments in the Lords for this Bill, other legislation such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill also had a high number of amendments. To claim that members of the House of Lords sought to kill the bill contradict the role that the House of Lords plays. It is a refining Chamber and this is exactly what Peers sought to do.

Moving forward, there are those who have said they will seek to bring another Assisted Dying Bill forward after the Kings Speech. There are others who are determined to bring forward legislation to improve palliative care instead. A bill to ensure everyone has access to well-funded and quality palliative or end of life care, regardless of where they live. It is my hope that we see something like this come forward.

Rail link dream for Bideford inches forward but long road still lies ahead

Devon Today
-
1
Rail link dream for Bideford inches forward but long road still lies ahead

Rail revival hopes gather pace as long-awaited link edges closer to scrutiny, with campaigners warning the journey is only just beginning.

Infrastructure director for Railfuture Roger Blake told councillors that proposals to reconnect Bideford to the rail network remain at an early stage, despite growing collaboration and mounting local interest. Speaking to the Torridge and North Devon Joint Planning Policy Committee, he said the scheme would need to pass through a series of formal assessments before any construction could be considered.

Roger, who is also acting convener for the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), said the group was established in December 2023 to bring together organisations and stakeholders to explore the possibility of reinstating services.

He reminded members that a previous committee meeting in July 2022 had resolved that the Bideford to Barnstaple rail link should be considered as part of the People and Place project.

Roger said: “We do not have a timetable, but we do have a scheme development programme.”

He added that both the council and the alliance shared a “common destination” in reaching independent examination, either through the emerging North Devon and Torridge Local Plan or a future Development Consent Order application.

The alliance has published a preliminary strategic business case and is now aiming to progress to a strategic outline business case, subject to funding. Roger said this stage would ideally be completed by Saturday, March 29, to align with the Local Plan timetable. Government approval would then be required before further development work could continue.

He said: “We each have to work through a sequence of processes to present evidence and test assumptions before reaching any conclusions rather than speculate about a product.”

Roger also highlighted the scale of the potential project, noting that any new rail link could be delivered decades after major infrastructure such as the North Devon Link Road, Torridge Bridge and the Tarka Trail.

He said the alliance’s role was to act as a “mediating” body, bringing together around four dozen partners and stakeholders to examine options and evidence.

Roger added: “There is no commitment to anything other than the gathering and testing of evidence and options against addressing problems and meeting objectives.”

Dog mess crackdown looms as council warns park offenders face fines

Devon Today
-
0
Dog mess crackdown looms as council warns park offenders face fines

A crackdown on irresponsible dog owners has been stepped up after repeated incidents of fouling were discovered in a popular public park, with officials warning that tougher measures could soon follow.

North Devon Council said its officers have continued to find dog waste left behind in Oxford Road Park, in Ilfracombe including in areas where dogs are not permitted.

The authority described the behaviour as “completely unacceptable” and confirmed that regular patrols are ongoing to address the issue.

The council thanked residents who have already reported problems, saying their support is helping investigations and making a difference.

Dog waste can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, posing a risk to children and families using the park. The council said everyone should be able to enjoy the space safely.

Officers warned that those ignoring the rules could be identified, adding that CCTV may be introduced if the problem persists.

Dog fouling offences can result in a £100 fixed penalty notice, rising to as much as £1,000 if prosecuted through the courts.

Residents are being encouraged to report incidents online. The council said clear photographs of the waste and its location are essential, and that details of the dog, owner or any vehicle involved can also help, provided it is safe to obtain them.

Reports can be submitted via: https://orlo.uk/1ntMr

The council said public reports play a key role in taking action and keeping the park safe for all visitors.

Landlords warned as council backs new powers under renters reform law

Lewis Clarke
-
0
Landlords warned as council backs new powers under renters reform law

A major shake-up of tenant rights could soon reshape the private rental market, as councillors backed plans to strengthen enforcement powers while insisting they will avoid a heavy-handed approach.

Members of the Community and Resources committee discussed proposals to adopt an updated housing enforcement policy in response to sweeping legislative changes brought in under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

The meeting, held on Monday, April 20, heard how the new law introduces significant reforms to the private rented sector, including the abolition of so-called “no fault” evictions and stronger protections for tenants challenging rent increases.

Staci Dorey, director of legal and governance, told councillors the changes would give local authorities “a lot more power” to deal with standards in privately rented homes.

She said: “The new Act abolishes no fault evictions. It gives tenants more rights to challenge unreasonable rent increases. It bans landlords from taking any rent before the tenancy is signed and limits advance rent to one month.

“It gives tenants rights to request pets and makes it unlawful to discriminate against tenants with children or those on benefits. It also strengthens the enforcement powers that we as councils have.”

However, she stressed the council would prioritise working with landlords rather than immediately resorting to penalties.

She said: “We do not want to jump straight to enforcement action. We want to work with landlords to make accommodation acceptable and bring it up to a good standard.

“We would only look to prosecute those with repeated breaches or blatant breaches.”

The updated policy also outlines how civil penalties could be imposed in more serious cases, with fines set according to statutory guidance.

Councillor Chris Leather raised concerns the legislation could discourage landlords from remaining in the sector.

He said: “This Act has already driven a lot of landlords out of the private sector nationwide. There are one or two beneficial things in it, but there are also some severe financial penalties that can be imposed.

“I am pleased we are not going to go with a big stick right away because that could drive people out of renting and they will sell up.”

Councillor David Brenton said responsible landlords would have little to fear.

He said: “Good landlords have got nothing to fear. Bad ones, not so good.

“It has been a buyer’s market because more properties are coming onto the market, which has helped people get onto the property ladder.”

Councillors also discussed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with landlords, particularly given the reliance on the private rented sector for temporary accommodation.

Ms Dorey said: “Most of our people in temporary accommodation rely on the private rented market, so we have to develop those relationships.

“If landlords are working with us, there is no reason to take formal enforcement action unless it is a blatant disregard or repeated issue.”

The committee heard that while the council would receive around £60,000 in funding to help implement the changes, there are expectations that enforcement activity could partially fund itself through civil penalties.

Councillor Teresa Tinsley questioned whether the additional responsibilities would place pressure on resources, but was told the authority had already expanded its housing team and was not anticipating a surge in complaints.

The updated policy is intended to ensure the council is prepared for new duties and powers coming into force from May 2026, while aligning with wider housing strategy goals.

Biodiversity plan progresses as leaders insist it will not block growth

Lewis Clarke
-
0
Biodiversity plan progresses as leaders insist it will not block growth

A major plan to reverse nature loss across Devon has edged closer to adoption after councillors were told it would guide – not block – future development.

Members of Torridge District Council’s Community and Resources Committee debated the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy on Monday, April 20, hearing it could influence a wide range of council decisions, from planning to land use, once formally adopted.

Planning policy team leader Ian Rowland told the committee the strategy was a statutory requirement designed to help reverse biodiversity decline and would need to be considered in future council decisions.

Mr Rowland said: “Public bodies have a duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity… and in doing so, legislation requires public bodies to have regard to the local nature recovery strategy in exercising our functions.”

He explained the strategy, coordinated nationally by Defra and prepared locally by Devon County Council, would set priorities for habitats and species while mapping areas for improvement.

Mr Rowland said: “It will have an influence potentially on a wide range of our services and our functions.”

The council is acting as a supporting authority in the process and had been involved throughout its development, including workshops and consultation stages.

More than 200 responses and over 700 comments were submitted during a public consultation in late 2025, alongside input from workshops and webinars.

Following that feedback, Devon County Council produced a final draft earlier this year, which Torridge councillors were asked to consider.

Under legislation, the authority can only object if the strategy is unjustified by consultation responses or is “materially deficient”.

Officers recommended no objection.

Mr Rowland said: “There is no basis to consider that the final strategy cannot be justified nor that it is likely to be materially deficient.”

He added the strategy was intended to guide positive environmental action rather than restrict development.

Mr Rowland said: “It’s not meant to be a barrier to development, it’s about providing you with actions and objectives of things that can direct in a positive way.”

Councillor Teresa Tinsley questioned how much scrutiny members had been given, noting the document appeared focused on process.

Cllr Tinsley said she would have liked to see more localised examples and asked whether the strategy had previously come before a committee.

Mr Rowland confirmed it had not, but said members had been kept informed and invited to engage during earlier stages.

Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on planning and economic growth.

Councillor Jane Whittaker asked whether developers might find it harder to build.

Mr Rowland said the strategy should instead help shape development more strategically.

He said: “It could help us shape and steer where we would put things… and where we may improve habitats.”

Cllr Whittaker said: “I would see it as a positive. I’m just wondering if your developers would see it as a positive.”

Mr Rowland said: “Hopefully they will, it’s not meant to prevent them from being able to develop an individual site.”

Rural concerns were raised by Councillor Philip Pennington, who warned businesses in the countryside could be affected.

Cllr Pennington said: “My fear is we adopt too much biodiversity net gain, then we lose the primary industry that supports the secondary industry.”

He asked for assurances that agriculture and rural enterprises would not be restricted.

Mr Rowland said the strategy would not impose restrictions on land use.

He said: “It is not going to decree any of that, it’s not intended to hamstring.”

The Devon strategy forms part of a nationwide framework introduced under the Environment Act 2021, aiming to create around 50 local strategies across England to restore nature.

Councillors were advised that once adopted, the strategy would need to be considered in council decision-making, including planning and environmental policies.

The committee was recommended to support publication without objection.

Steam dreams on track as volunteers seek funds to grow heritage line

Lewis Clarke
-
0
Steam dreams on track as volunteers seek funds to grow heritage line

A volunteer-powered railway is gathering steam as its backers seek a final push of funding to keep expansion plans on track.

Lapford Mill Steam Railway, based within the grounds of Lapford Mill, is aiming to raise £2,000 to extend its line and complete the next stage of development. The attraction forms part of a wider effort to revive the historic site as a hub for arts, entertainment and community events.

The mill, a private family home with more than 700 years of industrial heritage, has hosted village and arts activities for many years. Since 2015, owner Alex Gater has led efforts to increase community engagement, drawing on family roots at the site that date back to the early 15th century.

Plans are now in place for the venue to reopen on selected dates in early summer 2026, featuring live music, outdoor theatre and family-focused events. Steam-Up Days are also scheduled to begin in May, offering demonstrations and rides on a 7 1/4-inch gauge steam locomotive and carriages.

The railway itself has been constructed entirely by volunteers, with recent work carried out across late winter and early spring. Participants have ranged from experienced engineers to newcomers.

So far, the project has secured £1,500 in private donations, logged more than 370 volunteer hours and laid over 200 metres of track, alongside what organisers describe as more than 220 cups of tea.

Organisers say the latest funding will cover essential materials and groundwork, including 16 tonnes of ballast and further earthworks needed to complete the next section of line.

They are also encouraging new volunteers to get involved as the project continues to grow.

Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lmsr and further details about volunteering are available at www.lapfordmill.uk/lmsr.

Herd once at risk now thriving after major rescue effort in Devon

Devon Today
-
0
Herd once at risk now thriving after major rescue effort in Devon

A gentle older mare with failing sight has become an unlikely pillar of strength for a recovering herd, as newly released updates reveal how dozens of once semi-feral horses are learning to trust again.

One year after a major multi-agency welfare operation involving around 70 Icelandic horses, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has shared details of the progress made by animals now in its care.

Concerns raised by members of the public about several semi-feral herds across Devon prompted a coordinated response involving the Sanctuary, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. A joint statement outlining the complex operation was released in October last year.

Following the intervention, the Sanctuary took in eight horses and five foals at its specialist facilities in the South West. Staff have since been carrying out ongoing rehabilitation, veterinary treatment and handling training.

At the centre of the charity’s spring appeal is Granny, a 20-year-old Icelandic mare described as a calm and steady presence within the group. Blind in her right eye and living with locking stifles, a painful joint condition, she now receives daily pain relief and lives outdoors to support her mobility.

Four of the 13 Icelandic horses being cared for at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon.

Despite these challenges, staff say her temperament has made her an important influence on younger horses, including her foal Sherlock.

Jenna Goldby, head of welfare and rehoming at the Sanctuary, said: “Granny is at the heart of our spring appeal because she shows what ongoing care really looks like. The initial welfare operation was just the beginning of a long journey of recovery for the herd.

“Since then, our team has been caring for them around the clock, making sure Granny and her herd mates are comfortable, safe and learning to trust people.

“She is an older mare with complex needs, but she is also a calming presence for the younger horses.”

Jenna added: “Before she came to us, she suffered the trauma of losing a foal, and soon after became pregnant again with Sherlock, who is now 10 months old.

“Sherlock looks to her for reassurance, and other horses in the herd often follow her lead.

“When people support our appeal, they are helping us provide that long-term, patient care that cannot be delivered in a single week or month.”

Last year’s welfare operation brought equine charities together in a coordinated effort.

Sherlock is said to be thriving, showing a curious and playful nature. He is progressing with training, including grooming and learning to pick up his feet. Staff have adapted their approach to suit his behaviour, rewarding him with scratches rather than treats when he becomes overexcited around food.

Elsewhere in the group, other horses are also making steady progress. Hilda and her foal Spirit are building confidence through careful handling, while young foals Flint and Wurzel, along with Bowie who was born shortly after arrival, are adjusting to routine care and life at the Sanctuary.

Jenna said: “This has been a real team effort. Our welfare team and Sanctuary care staff, vets, specialist handlers and volunteers have all played a part in helping these horses adapt from semi-feral life to one where they can be safely handled, receive veterinary treatment and begin basic training.

“We also continue to work in a supportive way with horse owners who may be struggling. Our aim is always to prevent welfare problems wherever possible by offering no-shame advice and support at an early stage.”

The Sanctuary’s spring appeal aims to raise funds to cover the ongoing costs of caring for the Icelandic herd and other vulnerable equines. This includes feed, bedding, veterinary treatment, farriery and staffing.

Dawn Vincent, director of fundraising and communications at the Sanctuary, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported The Mare and Foal Sanctuary so far, including those who responded to last year’s coverage of the Icelandic horses.

“Their generosity has already made a real difference to Granny and her herd.

“In reality, the work does not stop when horses arrive with us. Many will need months or years of care, training and veterinary support.

“Regular donations mean we can plan ahead and step in when horses and ponies urgently need our help.”

She added: “This spring we are asking people, if they can, to support Granny and the Icelandic herd by donating, fundraising or simply sharing their story.

“Every action helps us continue our essential equine welfare work in the South West and we really do appreciate it.”

More information about the appeal and the horses can be found at www.mareandfoal.org.

1...252627...97Page 26 of 97