The Sanctuary

Spring has arrived, and we’re delighted to welcome you back to Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

After our winter closure, we’ve reopenned our doors and there’s no better time to visit and embrace the arrival of spring at Ferne.

We can’t wait to greet you with a warm welcome, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular supporter returning to enjoy the peaceful sanctuary. Ferne is a special place where visitors come to unwind and find tranquillity, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside, it’s the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and experience the serenity of the outdoors.

Ferne is a working sanctuary and home to over 300 animals, offering a safe and peaceful environment for those who have come from difficult backgrounds. Each of our residents enjoy spacious areas to roam, with quiet corners where they can retreat when they need some downtime. While some may prefer to stay out of sight, others are more than happy to engage with visitors, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of birds and animals, depending on their mood and needs that day.

We carefully manage our land by rotating our larger grazing animals, ensuring that they are well cared for and that the environment remains healthy and vibrant. While we aim to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, please note that our animals might be receiving essential care, treatment, or training during your visit, so you may not see them all, but our team is always on hand to share fascinating details about the animals and their care.

With scenic trails and fun activities to enjoy, there’s always something to keep you engaged, and while you might not see every animal during your visit the experience will be memorable regardless.

Feel free to bring your dog along for a lovely walk, just remember to keep them on a lead to ensure everyone enjoys the surroundings safely.

We look forward to welcoming you to Ferne and sharing the joy of springtime in the beautiful Blackdown hills.

To view the map of the Sanctuary click HERE

Entry to the sanctuary grounds is via our Visitor Centre (Gift & Pet Supplies Shop) located at the bottom left of the car park.

Our on-site gift & pet supplies shop is open 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm

Behind The Scenes Tours

Prices:

Private tour for two people £75

Group tour £15 per adult

£10 per child

£45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children)

How to find us

Directions:

Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Wambrook
Chard
TA20 3DH

From the A30 turn onto James Lane. Follow this for 1.4 miles then, staying on James Lane, go around to the left and continue for 0.2 miles then turn left onto our driveway (signposted Ferne) and follow along (carefully) until you arrive at the Sanctuary car park.

Any questions or queries – please feel free to email info@ferneanimalsanctuary or call us on 01460 65214