The Polesworth Donkey Sanctuary

About The Polesworth Donkey Sanctuary

A visit to a Polesworth donkey sanctuary and farm offers a fun and exciting day out for families, but it’s important to remember that it also carries some risks. At our farm park, safety is a top priority. We have robust measures in place to help minimise these risks — including daily inspections of visitor areas, clear signage, and attentive staff supervision.

Visitor Safety Information

This page is here to help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable visit to the farm. It provides important safety information, as well as a reference point should you have any questions or concerns after your visit.

🚗 Health & Safety Notice – Car Park & Driveway 🚧

Your safety is very important to us. Please be aware that vehicles are regularly moving up and down the driveway and through the car park throughout the day.

To help keep everyone safe, we kindly ask:

🔹 Keep children close and under supervision at all times

🔹 Stick to designated walkways where possible

🔹 Do not allow children to run or play in the car park or driveway area

🔹 Be extra cautious when entering or leaving the site

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all our visitors! 🦺

Our main advice for your visit to the farm!

Farm Safety Rules – Please Read Before You Explore!

To help keep everyone safe and healthy during your visit, please follow these simple but important rules while on the farm:

🚫 No food or drink is allowed in the animal areas.

🧼 Wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals or their pens — and again before eating, playing, or entering the play area.

✋ Keep fingers flat when feeding the animals — and please don’t hand-feed the pigs; just toss their food in gently.

🎠 Heading to the bouncy castle or play area? Please follow strict hygiene:

• Wash your hands first

• If you remove your shoes, wash your hands again

• If you’re about to eat, wash them again!

🪣 Leave your animal feed bucket outside the play area entrance.

Thank you for helping us keep the farm fun and safe for everyone! 🐐👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Toxoplasmosis

One of the most common things we get asked about is toxoplasmosis and whether pregnant ladies should visit the farm. The main risk is to farm workers who may have much closer contact with birthing animals; however we believe that to make an informed choice and in order to modify behaviour on their visit, expectant mothers should be fully aware of the following information …

Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by ingesting a parasite that is found in cat poo and infected meat. It can also be present in the birthing fluids of sheep and goats and, as a result, there’s a risk of toxoplasmosis infection passing from sheep to people during lambing season. It causes a fever, sore throat and feeling sick. It is mostly harmless but can be higher risk if you’re pregnant or you have a weak immune system.

If you are in either category, it’s recommended you avoid contact with lambs, goat kids, goats and sheep during spring and early summer, and exercise a high level of personal hygiene (handwashing etc) when on the farm..

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Allergic Reaction to Farm Animals:

Important Information for Allergy Sufferers

We expect that visitors with known allergies will already be aware of their condition and avoid contact with animals that may trigger a reaction.

However, if you begin to experience any signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity while on the farm, please take the following steps immediately:

1. Move away from the animals and any potential allergens.

2. Go to the nearest handwashing station and thoroughly wash your hands and lower arms with hot water and soap. Rinse well.

3. Once your hands are clean, repeat the washing process for your face.

4. Tie back long hair, as it can trap allergens, or consider washing it if needed.

5. Inform a staff member right away — they can provide first aid or call emergency services if your symptoms worsen.

Farm Animal Allergies – What You Need to Know

Allergies to farm animals can be triggered by proteins found in their hair, skin, saliva, urine, feces, or dander. Common animals that may cause allergic reactions include sheep, pigs, donkey's, goats, and chickens.

Reactions can vary from person to person, but typical symptoms may include:

• Sneezing or a runny/stuffy nose

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Skin rash or hives

• Coughing or wheezing

• Chest tightness or difficulty breathing

If you know you have animal allergies, we recommend avoiding direct contact and taking appropriate precautions during your visit.

Health Risks: E.coli & Cryptosporidium

🦠 E.coli is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in children under 5. Even healthy-looking animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and deer can carry E.coli in their droppings. The bacteria can be found on the animal, or on surfaces they’ve touched (e.g., fences, gates). Touching these and then your face or mouth may allow the bacteria to enter your body.

🧫 Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause stomach illness through contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces. Young animals like lambs, calves, and goat kids are more likely to carry it.

To reduce risk:

•Avoid eating or drinking in animal areas

•Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after animal contact

•Supervise children closely

•Vulnerable individuals (young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems) should take extra care

Your health and safety is our priority — thank you for helping keep the farm a safe place for everyone!

Safety at Polesworth Donkey Sanctuary