Winter has fully settled in across the Blackdown hills and the rhythm of life at Ferne Animal Sanctuary has naturally slowed down a little – but there is still plenty happening behind the scenes to keep our animals safe, warm and well cared for.

If you’re planning a visit during the winter months, here’s what you can expect.

A Quieter, Calmer Sanctuary

Winter brings a peaceful atmosphere to Ferne. Many of our animals like to spend more time resting or sheltering from the cold, and you may notice them being less active than in spring or summer. This is completely natural and helps them conserve energy during colder weather.

Some of our animals such as small furries (rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets) may choose to remain inside their shelters and you might not always see them during your visit. While this can sometimes be disappointing, their comfort and wellbeing always come first.

Our large farm animals including cows are moved to an area off the beaten track where they can be sheltered from the harsh weather and will likely not be visible during your winter visit.

To help manage expectations, it’s important to remember that Ferne is a working sanctuary and rescue centre. Our focus is on providing a safe, calm environment where animals can recover, thrive, and live as naturally as possible. As a result, the experience will differ from that of a traditional zoo, or attraction and animal sightings can never be guaranteed.

We encourage visitors to enjoy the wider experience of Ferne – from the peaceful surroundings and natural landscapes to the opportunity to connect with nature, follow our trails and learn about animal welfare, conservation, and wellbeing.

Avian flu housing order update

Ferne Sanctuary is currently under a DEFRA imposed housing order for our feathered residents and will remain in place until spring (no date to lift the “flockdown” known as yet). This means the birds are contained and are not free-ranging around the sanctuary grounds as they normally would be. We understand this may be disappointing for some visitors as our ducks, chicken and geese were commonly seen waddling around and a big part of everyday life at the sanctuary. We appreciate your understanding and will update again when we know more on the situation.

Paths, weather and accessibility

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and paths / bridges around the sanctuary may be muddy or slippery after rain or frost. We recommend wearing sturdy, waterproof footwear and warm clothing to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

In cases of severe weather, we may close the sanctuary to visitors, or at least certain areas of the sanctuary may be closed for safety reasons. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for the latest updates before travelling.

Shorter days, may mean shorter visits

With shorter daylight hours, winter visits tend to be a little briefer. We advise arriving earlier in the day to make the most of natural light and to allow yourself time to explore at a relaxed pace. Last entry is at 3pm – closing at 4pm.

Supporting Our Animals in Winter

Winter is one of the most challenging times of year for animal sanctuaries. Increased bedding, feed and heating costs mean that your support is more important than ever. Whether through visiting, donating, shopping in our café or sharing our work with others, every contribution helps us continue caring for animals in need. We’d love you to consider your entry fee a small donation which could cover a worming treatment, for example. We made the decision to allow free entry for children under five years of age to help make visiting for families more manageable.

Perdida on-site café

You are welcome to use the on-site café and gift shop without paying to enter the sanctuary – it’s a lovely setting to meet with friends or family for a coffee and cake break by the log burner, or a light lunch. If you plan to have lunch, please visit the Perdida website here to see current menus and book your table.

Perdida is proudly vegan/vegetarian and serves wholesome, vibrant Caribbean and Latin American style dishes – all made from locally sourced produce and homemade.

Our on-site gift shop is well stocked with gift ideas and sweet treats along with pocket-money souvenirs and a fabulous range of locally made jams, preserves and chutneys. We also have a good selection of pet treats and accessories. Your support helps us continue our mission and provides vital funds to animals who need it most.

Thank You for Your Understanding

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who visits Ferne during the winter months. Your patience and understanding help ensure our animals can enjoy a calm, stress-free environment while receiving the best possible care.

We look forward to welcoming you – whatever the season – and thank you for being part of the Ferne community.

Find out more and arrange your visit here: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/visit-the-sanctuary/