Freshfields

This unique charity not only rescues and cares for donkeys which have been abandoned, mistreated or neglected but also provides a holiday centre where children with special needs can choose a donkey to help take care of during their visit. Invariably, child and donkey form a close relationship of trust and affection which is of great therapeutic value to them both.

Freshfields is managed by John and Annie Stirling who, in 1988, found themselves bidding for two sad, neglected donkeys (lots 73 and 74) at a livestock market. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, born of compassion and a determination to save these noble animals from further mistreatment - even though they had nowhere to keep them and no idea how they were going to look after them.

Many years later, more than 600 donkeys have been cared for by the Trust and thousands of children have benefited from the experience of grooming, feeding and making friends with one of these gentle, sensitive creatures.

Directions:
From the North-West (Manchester) . Follow the A6 towards Buxton. At the first roundabout after passing the village of Chapel-en-le-Frith, take the A623 towards Chesterfield. After 1.7 miles, enter the village of Peak Forest. At the traffic lights, turn Right (signposted Donkey Village) and, after 0.5 miles turn right into a farm road (signposted Freshfields).

From the South & West . Route to Buxton and take the A6 (Stockport / Manchester) out of the town. After 4 miles, at a roundabout, take the A623 towards Chesterfield. After 1.7 miles, enter the village of Peak Forest. At the traffic lights, turn Right (signposted Donkey Village) and, after 0.5 miles turn right into a farm road (signposted Freshfields).

From the East (Chesterfield). Take the A619 (Buxton) to Baslow village and, at the roundabout, take the A623 (Stockport / Manchester). After 11 miles, enter the village of Peak Forest. At the traffic lights, turn Left (signposted Donkey Village) and, after 0.5 miles turn right into a farm road (signposted Freshfields).