Here are a few words to explain the photos in the gallery.

Some of the photos show the farm in November 1986 when Ginny, her husband Pete and the ponies moved in. You can see the gradual change as the gateway and drive become more welcoming, and the land and stalls (originally for sheep) are cleared of debris and made habitable for the ponies, and later the menage is built. The menage was re-built in 2007 - possible only by the gift of a legacy.

Facilities at the farm are basic. We eventually hoping to obtain planning permission for the change of use of two outbuildings. One will accomodate toilets and washrooms, and a managers office, and the other will house a modest cafe/shop and an educational display area. Raising the money for this project will be a huge task but we're a determined bunch! Our other plan is to make a nature trail which will give visitors the opportunity to explore more of the farm and appreciate the beautiful scenery and wildlife. We have several volunteers willing to help with the trail and we are looking for a person to take on the role as project leader - so if you have knowledge of and love the countryside, and would like to join our team, please contact us - we would love to hear from you.

On a bleak November day in 1987.

And a year or so later.

These 'buildings' were cleared and this is where the menage now sits.

The ponies find what grass there was in their first winter in their new home.

A start is made in the clear up operation.

This is the building formally used for sheep - now a lovely airy building that was re-roofed in 2006 thanks to a legacy.

The clear up operation began, but the floor was stony which made mucking out very difficult so a little later concrete was laid.

And thanks to the 'buy a brick' campaign the stalls were partitioned and proper gates installed.

The first menage is started.

Earlier this month after some high winds we decided to check the boundaries of the farm for fallen trees. It was an ideal opportunity to take some photographs of the outlaying parts of the farm that don't get seen by the public. It is a truly beautiful place especially in the spring. The first is a field that leads down to the river bank where the bluebells are. We are resting this field at the moment and will put the ponies there once the grass isn't quite so lush.

Down by the river the bluebells were in full bloom. The fragrance was intoxicating, the whole of the slope down to the river was covered in a blue haze. It only lasts a few days every year but worth the walk.

More photos to follow soon of how the farm is today.