Foal Farm is a community-reliant animal care center whose aim is to rescue animals. The large range at Foal Farm includes both pets and farm animals. Their team is hardworking. They try to help as many animals as possible. Their main aim is to restore health and happiness to the animals they help. Their team comprises around 30 paid workers often in offices, and many volunteers and apprentices helping to care for the animals.

Foal Farm was set up in 1962 by Penny and Carl Baker who had a passion for helping animals. Foal stands for Friends Of Animal League. They try not to refuse any animal however there is a waiting list. An animal will not be refused for behavioral issues. Many are donated due to a change in circumstance or when people had to go back to work after Covid. At the moment many Rabbits are being passed on to Foal farm as families don’t have the time to look after them as people are going back to work. Fostering is unusual at Foal however on occasions cats are fostered.

Money is raised through annual fairs such as the Christmas fair, Easter fair, and Halloween event. The big country festival in July this year raised £30,000 thanks to a great turnout of visitors. The charity also raises money through its on-site charity shop, emporium shop, pet shop, and tea rooms, all run by volunteers. Their off-site charity shop located in Biggin Hill also contributes significant income.

Sponsoring animals and membership for Foal farm is another way for the community to support, with guided tours and newsletters available. During covid, many of their donations and income were impacted so they had to use online websites such as Facebook and eBay to sell items to make an income. Mini markets are also held on Sundays. Foal Farm is free to enter and look around at the animals.

Cathy Barrett, Administration, and Reception said “we rely a lot on support from the community and we are very much about animal welfare. We have a non-destruct policy! Our animals are spoiled and well cared for.”

Foal Farm houses around 250 animals including pigs, cows, and horses but also cats dogs, rabbits, chickens, and goats are kept on the 26 acres of land. Dogs are trained regularly so if they are rescued, they are ready for a family.

Foal Farm is open form and free to enter every day 1:30 pm till 4:30 pm except Tuesdays. They are located at Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, Kent, TN16 3AX.

The Christmas Fayer will run on Saturday 13th November at Charles Darwin School, Jain Lane, Biggin Hill. This will have Christmas gifts, refreshments, tombola and raffles, money raised will support the animals. You and also donate through membership or sponsoring an animal. Registered charity number- 201654 telephone: 01959 572386 info: foalfarm.org.uk