AN animal rescue centre is hoping to generate squeals of delight by raising funds for a new woodland ‘piggy paddock’.

Dean Farm Trust has launched an appeal to cover the £2,208 cost of fencing the area with posts, stock and wire.

More than 130 rescued animals live in 62 acres of pasture, woodland and paddocks at the Dean Farm Animal Sanctuary near Chepstow, and volunteers are keen to provide a dedicated space for their smaller pigs.

Spokeswoman Sam Clews said: “We are appealing for funds to fence a new area for our pigs, giving our residents enough space so they can express natural behaviours.

“Allowing the pigs to run, play and sleep is really important to us at the sanctuary, which currently has a beautiful two acre area of mixed woods and pasture which would be ideal for the littlest rescue pigs to live in.

“The new area will provide stimulation, rooting and fibre, a natural wet area for wallowing and lots of trees for shade and it just needs to be fenced.

“The total cost to clear the old broken fencing and re-fence over 230m with posts, stock and wire is £2,208.00.

Founder and trustee Mary Frankland added: “Pigs are very intelligent and highly sociable animals.

“Since we have been rescuing them, they have shown us they like to spend their time foraging and rooting and making nests out of twigs and old grass, where they will sleep in the warm nights.

“In the summer months they wallow in mud to keep themselves cool and to help keep any parasites away. Our pigs also like to rest under the trees and use stumps as scratching posts.”

Founded in 2012 by Mary and Janette Fry, Dean Farm Trust opened its animal sanctuary near Mathern in December 2016. The sanctuary is run by a small team of staff and volunteers and relies entirely on donations, help from the local community and volunteers.

Sam added: “We receive no government funding and have no fundraising or marketing departments. Our ability to rescue animals and offer a secure and safe life for them is dependent on monies we raise.

“We are now appealing for funds to fence a new area for our pigs. Its 230m at £9.60 per metre for the fence. Please pledge a metre for our new area.

“Our existing areas can then be rested and re used for other animals and more rescues, and ideally we would like our piggies in by spring.”

To support the ‘piggy paddock’ appeal, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/piggyfence

For more information, see www.deanfarmtrust.org.uk