Bransby Horses reopens to public on 8th July after keeping spirits up during Lockdown

Lincolnshire-based equine charity, Bransby Horses, is delighted to announce that they will be reopening their doors to the public at 10am on Wednesday 8^th July 2020.

The site is still free entry and initially will be running at reduced days and hours, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 3pm.

In line with the UK Government response to the coronavirus, the Charity is asking visitors to ensure they adhere to social distancing regulations and plan for their visit by finding more information and FAQs at www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

As well as a newly refurbished Gift Shop and Donated Goods Shop and additional picnic fields, visitors can now pre-book a packed lunch or breakfast, through the new Click and Collect Café service that will be available on the Charity’s website from Monday 6th July.

The site in Bransby, which welcomes thousands of visitors each year, closed to the public on 20^th March 2020. During Lockdown the Charity has been busy keeping the hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that live at the Bransby and Barlings sites, safe and well. Since March, measures have been in place to keep employees healthy and safe, strictly following Government guidance including social distancing, office employees working from home where appropriate, high standards of on-site hygiene and strict sanitation.

Bransby Horses keeps 1000’s of supporters entertained and comforted during Lockdown

Bransby Horses’ teams have also been dedicated to keeping their supporters entertained during Lockdown. Local care homes have received regular hand written updates to be read out by care employees, whilst on social media, as well as virtual video tours as part of their Keep on Keeping on campaign, one particular donkey has given and received a lot of hope and joy during the nation’s challenging period.

Raising spirits every day, a social Donkey resident, named Nipper has been visiting many horse, pony, donkey and mule friends and sharing his tales to nearly 30,000 followers! For the three months of the 2020 Lockdown, March, April and May, every morning, a positive, uplifting tale of Nipper’s adventures around the Charity site was posted on the Charity’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The response from their supporters has been incredible, so much so, that the Charity is now creating a set of collectible postcard stories, ready for Christmas 2020.

Bransby’s famous donkey Nipper

Of the hundreds of comments received, here are just a few that summed up the impact the tales have had on the thousands of readers:

“Nipper, and of course your two legged friend [who interprets for you] thank you for showing the way through these horrible, crazy days. Your posts have been an anchor of positivity to cling to. For a lot of people separated from family and friends the presence of animals in our lives has been a blessing.”

“Thank you Nipper and your friends for the wonderful musings. They get read at work, and are a joy to everyone. As already suggested a little book of ‘Nipper’s Musings’ would be most appreciated by many. Take care all of you at Bransby Horses and continue with your amazing work. Stay safe.”

“Thank you Nipper for your ponderings…you are so widely read!! You have given much calm in this storm. Stay safe…”

“Thank you Nipper, you sure have helped me through this horrible time with your lovely words.”