Take a walk on the wild side at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary

With spring just around the corner, visitors to The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth can discover some of the wildlife that live in and around the sanctuary with Drizzle’s Green Guardians Trail.

The sanctuary is home to thousands of insects, animals and plants, and they rely on donkeys like Drizzle and his pals to boost biodiversity on the land. Whether they are grazing the meadows or collecting seeds on their coats then spreading them around, all the donkeys lend a helping hoof to support our native wildlife.

On the new trail, people will be able to follow clues and explore the centre, keeping an eye out for animals and plants that call the sanctuary home. Trail sheets cost £5 each and include a prize on completion.

The sanctuary remains a free family visitor attraction and is open 365 days a year. Parking is also free and dogs on leads are welcome. Set in the heart of the East Devon countryside, there are miles of walkways, a natural play area, a maze, daily talks, engaging exhibits, and hundreds of resident donkeys to meet.

There’s even a new Bat Beacon, where people can find out how these fascinating flying mammals thrive around the sanctuary grounds while benefitting the resident donkeys too. 

The award-winning onsite restaurant The Kitchen has an extensive menu, using fresh, local seasonal produce, and it the ideal place to warm up and take sanctuary.

To celebrate Shrove Tuesday on 13 February, pancakes will also be on the menu. Visitors will be able to choose from crepe-style pancakes topped with lemon and sugar, vegan American-style pancakes with blueberries and maple syrup, and American-style pancake stack with bacon and maple syrup.

Before heading home, the Gift Shop is the ideal place to pick up a souvenir, safe in the knowledge that every purchase supports the work of the charity.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is open daily from 9am – 5pm. 

Drizzle’s Green Guardian Trail runs from 9th February to 2nd June. For more information, please visit: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/