Gardeners get great results from Donkey Sanctuary manure

Gardeners with green sensibilities as well as green fingers have long turned to horse manure to make their roses bloom.

And now there is a new product on the market, courtesy of the 2,000 equines cared for by the Donkey Sanctuary.

Donkey Doo, available from the charity’s visitor centre in Sidmouth, Devon, at £7.99 a bag, promises great results for gardeners – while helping the environment.

The 1,300 tonnes of muck produced by the donkeys each year is combined with charcoal from local willow beds.

Manufacturer Geoff Self explained: “Our charcoal-burning methods mean carbon emissions are fixed into the soil, making it an easy way to offset personal carbon emissions – equivalent to a 100-mile car journey per bag.”

But the proof of the pudding is in the poop. Satisfied customer, Mary Dodson of Totnes, said Donkey Doo has made a “huge difference” to her “indifferent” soil.

“My hollyhocks grew to six feet and flowered profusely all summer,” she said.

For further information email enquiries@thedonkey sanctuary.org.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (14 June 2012)

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