Farm Christmas tree appeal for alpacas and goats

As people start to take down their Christmas decorations, a farm for rescued animals is making use of leftover trees.

Willowbank Farm, in Piddletrenthide near Dorchester, is taking donated Christmas trees and feeding them to its alpacas and goats.

"It's good to get public help when we can," said Kevin Woodford who started family-run farm three years ago.

He said the donations "all help" as food is more scarce for the grass-grazing animals in the winter.

Mr Woodford said initially they put a post on social media showing their alpacas enjoying the old trees.

"It's like they've got a new toy in the field, they run over, they roll in it, they scratch their back on them, they all group around and have fun with them," he said.

The farm then began to receive donations with nine festive pines arriving so far.

Mr Woodford said the trees also help to act as a natural wormer for the animals.

He said that his team has travelled around the Dorset area to collect any old untreated Christmas trees but they asked for a small donation to cover the cost of fuel.

Among the animals on the farm are 10 alpacas, British saddleback pigs, rare chickens, ducks, four pygmy goats and a couple of Shetland Ponies, Mr Woodford said.

"The farm started out as a little bit of a hobby in 2022," but it has been "a whirlwind since then," he added.

Mr Woodford said the growth of the farm was inspired by the calming effect the animals had on his four-year-old granddaughter, who has epilepsy.

He said she was "shy and timid" and the alpacas have helped her to "come out of her shell".

"The alpacas seem to know that Lola has a disorder, it's quite amazing to see," he said.

The site, which looks after rare breeds, is open for visitors to come and see the animals.

"It's brought out happiness in a lot of people," Mr Woodford said.

"We never knew this was all going to happen and we've just been in awe of it all."

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