Crisis Support

We are deeply saddened to share that our sanctuary was broken into overnight on Saturday, 25th July. Several items essential to the day-to-day care of the sanctuary and our animals have been stolen, including our pickup truck, ATV, trailer and tools. If you would like to help, or want to learn more, please click the button below.

Thank you for standing by us during this difficult time.

Welcome to Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of the Blackdown Hills, Somerset, Ferne Animal Sanctuary has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming unwanted pets, farm animals and equines since 1939.

Rehome an animal

REHOME AN ANIMAL

We’re looking for caring, permanent homes for rescued animals and offer full support throughout the adoption process. Viewings are by appointment only to ensure a calm environment and the best match for each pet.

Visit Ferne

VISIT FERNE

Located on 72 acres of scenic Somerset countryside and home to over 300 animals, the Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat to relax and connect with nature. Enjoy refreshments at our on-site café, Perdida, for delicious, vibrant dishes, Barista coffee, cakes and snacks, all with stunning views.

Donate

DONATE

Whether you can volunteer your time, share your skills, or make a donation, your support helps us provide essential care for unwanted and abandoned animals. Every contribution makes a real difference and helps us continue our work at the Sanctuary.

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Dreamer09440510470 profile picture
Dreamer09440510470
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Ferne animal sanctuary Beautiful landscaping and I took good pictures of the animals and it’s great for a day visit with the family I highly recommend
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PapaMikeTango profile picture
PapaMikeTango
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Ferne, doing a great job. Really enjoyed our visit today, we didn’t travel far, only an hour away. I’m sure other animal lovers would agree that seeing rescue animals being treated well is worth a small entrance fee. It helps keep the sanctuary going, keeping the animals in lovely enclosures. It may not be for everyone, but it definitely was for us.
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Kerri T profile picture
Kerri T
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Hidden gem We were greeted on arrival by a lovely friendly lady at the visitors centre who spent time going through the map with us and was great with my little girl. All staff we met were chatty and extremely friendly. The animals are so well looked after and have lots of open spaces to explore, they all seemed happy in there environment and my little girl loved being able to freely move around. We did some craft activities in creative centre and the lady in there was so kind helping us to make cat themed crafts and extremely helpful, we loved seeing the kittens, ducks, pigs and rabbits the most. Only downside is no food on site to purchase so remember a packed lunch. They did have ice creams and drinks in the shop and reasonable pricing too. It was so peaceful with lots to see and do. Definitely worth a visit. Lovely little sensory garden too.
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Chris T profile picture
Chris T
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A wonderful place We had a wonderful welcome and tour at the sanctuary where for a donation we stayed the night in their peaceful car park when visiting. The animals are kept wonderfully and i've never seen cats with so much space to roam! They do a wonderful job and everyone we met on our tours where so loving and passionate about the animals they look after.
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keith t profile picture
keith t
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Little bit of heaven in the countryside. Beautiful peaceful countryside for walking around.The animals were lovely and not expensive to enter-ideal for anyone-families will love it! Nice shop with choice of things to buy.
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Helena M profile picture
Helena M
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Fabulous Animal Sanctuary Ferne is I wonderful animal sanctuary and a real pleasure to visit. The sanctuary is very peaceful with lovely views, and the animals are all really well cared for. Their conditions and environment are tip top. There is plenty of space, and whenever possible the animals have as much freedom as is practical. The surroundings are beautiful and the sanctuary is easily accessible; being a short drive from Chard, and not too far from Honiton. There is plenty of parking, a nice cafe, and the staff and volunteers are really helpful. The sanctuary offers an easy walk - on level ground mostly: - well marked out, and easy under foot. I take a dog buggy with me for my elderly dog, but I imagine the walk would also be 'do-able' if one was pushing a wheelchair. Do not expect to see the dogs unless you make prior arrangements and are looking to adopt one. For their own well being, they have private kennel areas, although I have seen them being walked by the staff. It is clear that this sanctuary is a 'labour of love' and a wonderful place for both it's residents, and also visitors to spend time. If you get an opportunity to visit and support this fantastic charity I strongly recommend it.
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Dea B profile picture
Dea B
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Good For Young Families We are in the process of looking to adopt a cat and came across this sanctuary online. Having the company of our 18 month old granddaughter we decided to have a drive over - what an absolute delight our afternoon was. The young lady on reception was super lovely and a credit to the sanctuary as was the lady who was cleaning the ferrets out who brought a few out into the enclosure for our granddaughter to see. Hats off to all the staff involved - the sanctuary is absolutely beautiful and so well maintained. We thoroughly enjoyed our picnic lunch in such tranquil surroundings and our granddaughter was thoroughly engaged in all that she saw. She particularly enjoyed the willow walk and the sensory area. Our highlight was seeing a young family leaving after picking up the newest member of their family - a huge dog. Dad in particular looked well happy - I hope soon we will have that pleasure of giving a home to one of its residents! Good Luck to you all x
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Liz W profile picture
Liz W
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Lovely visit Staff were so friendly and made it a great experience. All rescue animals and looked very happy and well cared for. We had a great visit with my young niece.
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Excursion37699690593 profile picture
Excursion37699690593
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Animal welfare at its BEST So much space for the animals...so well looked after. Sharon in creative play was great with the kids. They thought of everything 11/10
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Coleen B profile picture
Coleen B
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Great day out ! Well sign posted, Ample parking, friendly, helpful and informative staff. Well laid out, easy route to follow, happy and healthy animals, freely roaming. Funny happy assortment of chickens. The cafe had great choices on the menu, lovely homemade cakes. (The sandwiches were beautiful) Portions were generous, well worth it! Some for all the family!

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