The South West Deer Rescue Centre is solely funded by donations from visitors to the centre. They have no other funding resources. The current covid-19 crisis has forced the closing of the centre to visitors, and of course, the donations from this source too.

The centre was founded by Mike and Barbara Gage over ten years ago when permission to use the land off Dunsham Lane was kindly given by Barry and Charmaine Titchener of Mahe farm.

Volunteers, myself included, assist Mike in the daily rounds and with the guided tours for visitors. Most of us are pensioners (Major exception being teenager Dean ! ) and no one receives any renumeration or expenses for their help at the centre. Every penny donated by the visitors is spent on the welfare of the Deer and the maintenance of the centre, with shortfalls often coming out of personal pensions.

Normally from spring onwards, the target is to raise sufficient funds to cover through the next winter period. The funds are used for supplementary winter food, welfare (Including Vet fees..When requested !) and site maintenance of fences, walkways, gates and all the other items involved and necessary in the running of the centre.

There are people who donate bags of fruit and vegetables to us, and also, Lidl in Chard who help out with out of date foodstuffs suitable for the deer. These donations are not enough to get through the winter, but, are very much appreciated and helpful to us in the overall running of the centre.

The links below will take you to the home page on Facebook and our reviews on Trip advisor. There are lots of posts and photos on the facebook page plus lots of information on the centre.

When the lockdown gets lifted, come down and see them. There are about 138 Red, Red/White, Sika, Axis, Muntjac and Fallow deer and you will understand our passion in taking care of them.

Home page South West deer Rescue Centre

Trip Advisor Review's