Somerset charity, Ferne Animal Sanctuary, is excited to announce that the Lawns Children’s Nursery in Chard and Crewkerne has chosen Ferne as their charity of the year.
Staff and children at both nurseries have been working closely with the animal rescue charity to teach the children about animal welfare. While also visiting charity shops and fundraising for the sanctuary, donating over £50 in a recent collection.
Emma, Nursery Manager at the Lawns, said “Thanks to Ferne Animal Sanctuary, the children at The Lawns Children’s Nurseries are learning about animal care, kindness, donating and the impact this has on the society they live in. The children have enjoyed making donations at the two charity shops in Chard and Crewkerne, purchasing books, raising money, donating money and seeing the animal’s benefit at the truly wonderful sanctuary. This whole hands-on experience has brought charity to life”.
The Lawns are also sponsoring one of Ferne’s resident pigs, Ruffles, allowing children to understand animal care and welfare whilst providing vital donations to the sanctuary. The nurseries even have a ‘miniature Ruffles’ toy who joins the children on trips out and spends weekends and holidays with their families.
The Ferne team recently visited both nurseries to speak with the children about its animal rescue work. Pupils were then encouraged to use paper bags, boxes and hay to create habitats to encourage natural foraging behaviours, and Freddy Ferne, the Sanctuary’s mascot, came along to say ‘thank you’ for their hard work.
Kevan Hodges, Chief Executive Officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said, “We are so happy to be part of the children’s development and to help them learn about looking after our animal friends. Ferne Animal Sanctuary is the perfect place to support children with their education, where they can learn about the animals while enjoying nature and the beautiful countryside. It’s the cherry on the cake that Lawns Nursery have chosen us as their Charity of the Year, and we can’t wait to continue our work with them and the children.”