A group of volunteers from Stonebroom have launched a bid to buy the village’s Animal Park.

The Animal Park was first established as part of the Forest School provision at Stonebroom Primary and Nursery School in 2017.

Over the the years, the park has become an integral part of the local community and is popular with visitors of all ages thanks to its residents, which include pigs and chickens.

Stonebroom Community Volunteer Group recently acquired the temporary lease for the site and is now fundraising to buy it, securing its future for the local community.

However, the group needs to raise at least £50,000 in order to do so.

Volunteers have set up a Go Fund Me page which, at the time of publishing, had raised £1,365.

The page explains: “Up until recently the Animal Park was part of the local primary school but, due to a change in circumstances that would have led to the closure of the Animal Park, the Stonebroom Community Volunteer Group has been given the opportunity to take on a short term, temporary lease for the building and surrounding land that houses the Animal Park, to prevent this happening and to ensure it remains a valuable asset to both the Forest School learners and the local community in the future.

“After your contributions have helped to secure the Animal Park, we will begin work on raising money to refurbish the adjoining derelict building to develop it into a Community Outdoor Learning Centre which will eventually bring massive benefits and opportunities for us all.”

The volunteer group will host a fundraising event as part of its efforts on Saturday (September 23).

The Save Our Animal Park Fundraiser Event will take place at Stonebroom Pavilion. on Birkinstyle Lane, from 1pm.

The group has lots planned for the day, including a raffle, teddy tombola and more.

You can view the group’s Go Fund Me page here.

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