A POPULAR Herefordshire animal sanctuary is hopeful of another visitor filled summer after a bumper 2021.

The Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre in Kingswood, near Kington, has recently reopened its gates to the public after a short winter hibernation.

The sanctuary has been welcoming visitors for more than 30 years and houses an extensive collection of miniature, rare creatures.

It is home to one of the finest breeding collections of owls in Europe. Other birds include waterfowl, pheasants and even a laughing kookaburra.

A laughing kookaburra. Picture: Andy Compton

A laughing kookaburra. Picture: Andy Compton

As well as birds, the farm has four different breeds of goats, including the popular pygmy goats, alongside miniature horses, donkeys, alpaca, and the world’s smallest breed of sheep.

The site is split up into five themes, - the Main Display Field, the Owl Centre, the Waterfowl Enclosure, the Pheasant Flights and the Small Animal House.

Rachael Wells with minature donkeys Smog and Gus. Picture: Andy Compton

Rachael Wells with minature donkeys Smog and Gus. Picture: Andy Compton

With all Covid restrictions now lifted, owner Jay Brittain is hoping it will be a great summer.

He said: "We actually had one of our best years in 2021 despite all the Covid restrictions. The weather hasn't been particularly kind since we reopened in February but hopefully with Spring now upon us that will start to improve."

Pygmy goat Grace with kid Cassie who was born in January. Picture: Andy Compton

Pygmy goat Grace with kid Cassie who was born in January. Picture: Andy Compton

Mr Brittain said that they will soon be welcoming some new additions at the Kington based farm.

He said: "We have a few pygmy kids and baby lambs either already here or about to arrive, plus the owls are laying so hopefully we will have a few owl babies in the coming weeks."

Kington Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre is open every day from 10.30am until 5pm.