A result of observing the enjoyment that animals brought to people, Clark's Little Ark began evolving unintentionally in December 2012,
A small piece of land at the former brickworks in Sanquhar, became home to my miniature Shetland ponies and donkeys.
Being near the town, people from the local communities began to visit the animals.
Watching the enjoyment shared between humans and animals was so rewarding and the animal family began to grow!
In May 2013 ,sadness and heartbreak struck our family, when our beloved son Clark passed away.
Although Clark had many "labels" of disability, he was a happy, loving boy who loved being around happy, smiling people.
Clark's Little Ark was named in his memory. We know he would approve of all the smiles that take place at the Ark.
The Ark has also helped our family deal with our grief, even on the most difficult days.
We have been so lucky receiving support from the local communities and beyond, to help keep Clark's Little Ark free and accessible to all ages and abilities.
We are indebted to THE FRIENDS (AND WEE FRIENDS) OF CLARK'S LITTLE ARK, who volunteer their own time to arrange meetings, fundraise, organise open days and manage all donations, bank accounts and paper work. This enables everyone to see where and when their kind donations are being used.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who supports Clark's Little Ark in any way at all and hope the smiles continue for many years to come.

PLEASE NOTE - Clark's Little Ark can be found at the Old Brickworks. It is situated on the left hand side of the road, just before the civic amenity site, St Mary's Street Sanquhar DG4 6BS.
There is very limited parking at the Ark and if specialist access is required please contact Alison Shankly on 07789394138, 0165950123 or email ashankly@yahoo.co.uk
As far as possible, arrangements will be made to meet your needs. Hand cleanser is available at the gate to the yard.
For those who don't have mobility problems, parking is usually available at Sanquhar Station, which is nearby..
The Ark is FREE to all visitors - all we ask for payment is a smile.
Please feel free to go down the track and enjoy spending time with the animals. If Alison or any the Friend's of  Clark's Little Ark are around there will be an opportunity to interact with some of the animals.
However, in the interest of Health and Safety, no one is allowed in beside any of the animals unsupervised.
If the green gate at the top is unchained, visitors can walk up the newly fenced track (funded by a grant from PROPEL) up to a picnic bench in the top field. The animals will be in paddocks at the side.
If the yard gate at the bottom is not chained, it will be possible to enter and visit the animals that may be in the stables, as well as Percy the pig. PLEASE TO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR PERCY, AS HE THINKS MOST THINGS ARE FOR EATING!
If any the gates are chained it means ANIMALS WILL BE LOOSE, SO PLEASE DO NOT ENTER.