What’s on at Ferne
Upcoming Events and Activities…
DOG FIRST AID COURSE at Ferne 2026
Learn Life-Saving Skills at Our Dog First Aid Course.
We’re thrilled to offer another Dog First Aid course in 2026, hosted by the experts at Allwinds Dog First Aid. This hands-on, fun and educational course will teach you vital life-saving skills to help your dog in emergency situations, from CPR to dealing with an array of injuries.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent, the course will boost your confidence and equip you with the knowledge to act quickly when it matters most. Don’t miss the chance to learn how to keep your dog safe and healthy!
Date: Saturday 7th March
Time: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Location: Ferne Animal Sanctuary – The Hub
Cost: £55 per person to include tea/coffee and biscuit
On completion you will receive a certificate of attendance that is valid for three years and fully complies with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and The Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Your day begins with experienced yoga teacher Karen Ward, who will guide you on a forest bathing walk through the peaceful Sanctuary grounds. Following this, enjoy an outdoor yoga session* on our scenic viewing platform, set against the stunning backdrop of the Blackdown Hills – a truly grounding experience (suitable for all levels) *weather dependent – indoor option available if necessary
After the morning’s activities, unwind with a wholesome lunch at Perdida Café, overlooking the tranquil lake. Enjoy a refreshing smoothie or juice, along with a vibrant vegan or vegetarian bowl, crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and bursting with flavour.
In the afternoon, Jackie and Ian will begin with a guided meditation which honours the Spring Equinox, allowing you to relax as you begin your journey of sound. The sound baths use a variety of instruments – including crystal and Tibetan singing bowls and koshi chimes – to create a soothing, immersive soundscape that melts away stress and promotes profound relaxation and inner balance.
**A sound bath is a meditative experience where sound vibrations help calm the mind, soothe the body, and nourish the soul, leaving you with a deep sense of peace and clarity.
End your wellness journey with a warming herbal tea and the chance to connect with fellow participants or take a quiet moment to explore the Sanctuary at leisure before leaving with a lighter mood, renewed vitality, and a deeper sense of self-connection.
**Please Note:
This event is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant, or who have metal implants, heart conditions, or pacemakers due to the nature of the sound bath
Book your place here
Join experienced seamstress, Bren, for a creative workshop where you will learn to make and take home your very own tote bag. If you can use the basic functions of a sewing machine, you can complete this beautiful project.
All materials provided. Fabrics sourced via donations from our Charity Shops so your creation will not only be unique but sustainable.
Tea and coffee provided. Bring your own lunch or pre-book a take away lunch from our on site café, Perdida – https://www.perdidaatferne.uk/
If you enjoy this workshop, a further advanced event will follow in the Summer!
All proceeds go to support the ongoing care of our animals
Join us at Ye Olde Poppe Inn for a fun evening of playing skittles and raising money for Ferne Animal Sanctuary!
Location: Ye Olde Poppe Inn, Axminster Road, Tatworth & Forton, TA20 2NZ. Please phone Ye Olde Poppe Inn to book a table for food!
Date & Time: Wednesday 1st April – 7pm
Cost: £5 (tournament entry fee only)
The game will be played as a singles tournament with 2 hands each.
All abilities welcome, never played before? That’s okay, this is a fun tournament for everyone.
Prize for 1st place and a raffle during the night!
Book here
🐥 Join Us at Ferne This Easter Sunday! 🐰
Get ready for a wholesome day of fun at Ferne Animal Sanctuary! Here’s what’s in store:
🧺Easter Egg Hunt
Can you find one of each colour toy egg?
If you wish to participate in the egg hunt this will be an additional £2 which can be purchased in our visitor centre on the day.
Please check back here for Easter Egg Hunt timings closer to the time.
🐰 Meet and greet with the Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny is making an appearance at Ferne! Come say hello and get a picture.
🎨 Creative Corner
Easter themed arts & crafts in Creative Corner
🎭 Pop up charity shop
Visit The Hub at the sanctuary to find a bargain!
☕ Café
Enjoy lunch, snacks and drinks at Perdida cafe.
📅 Important Info
This is a ticketed event – please pre-book your ticket here.
Join us during the Easter Holidays and get hands on in our Air-dry clay workshop. You will be guided to create your very own Easter bunny in clay, which you can take home at the end. You will be instructed on how to decorate your bunny once dry, should you wish to.
Aimed at approximate ages 7 – 16, but open to all. No experience needed, just a little creativity and a lot of imagination!
The workshop will be hosted by a fully DBS checked lead, so while you are welcome to stay with your child, parents of older children may wish to visit the cafe or take a walk around the Sanctuary.
Would you like to come along and paint this beautiful Spring scene? Or perhaps treat someone to the experience as a gift?
Ferne Animal Sanctuary is excited to have Karen Huwen, an experienced teacher and award winning artist, to host a Paint Workshop here at the sanctuary.
Karen will take you through every step to paint a your very own masterpiece on canvas. No experience or drawing skills needed, just your enthusiasm and a desire to create something lovely to take home and put on your wall, all materials will be supplied, just bring yourself!
The Event is Saturday 11th April from 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Tea and Cakes are included in the £45 price, which is payable upon booking to ensure your place.
Places are limited so please don’t wait to book.
All profits will go towards looking after the animals in our care here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary.
The event will take place in The Hub, at the top of the drive from the main car park.
Please note: tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets sell fast so don’t miss out!
Quiz Night
Following on from our first successful quiz night, we’re going on tour to all of our charity shop towns!
Next stop The Victoria Arms, Wellington!
Join us on Saturday 25th April at 7pm to test your knowledge, have fun, and raise some money for the animals here at the sancuary.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and a raffle during the interval.
Entry is £5 per person
Tables can be booked here or alternativley pop in to our Wellington Charity Shop or the The Victoria Arms.
Quiz Night
We’re continuing our quiz tour to all of our charity shop towns!
Next stop Trumpet Major Dorchester!
Join us on Saturday 27th April at 7pm to test your knowledge, have fun, and raise some money for the animals here at the sancuary.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and a raffle during the interval.
Entry is £5 per person
Tables can be booked here or alternativley pop in to our Dorchester Charity Shop or the Ttumpet Major.
Wildlife Day – Monday 25th May (bank holiday) 10:30am – 12:30pm
Join professional gardening photographer Andrea Duncan here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary for a two hour smartphone photography workshop that has three elements:
1) technical know how & creative principles theory element
2) practical session outdoors
3) review/ feedback and some tips on how to edit photos on your smartphone
If you’re a garden designer, horticulturist, florist or just someone who loves gardening or the outdoor space, Andrea will help you preserve its beauty through thoughtful, seasonal imagery. As a passionate garden photographer based in Somerset and serving Devon and Dorset, Andrea brings a deep love for gardens, flowers, and outdoor spaces to every shoot. With years of experience and a natural ability to connect with people, the process is relaxed and enjoyable
Spaces are limited, book yours here!
