What’s on at Ferne
Upcoming Events and Activities…
Tucked away in our scenic Willow Walk, the Blakeborough Storytelling Gazebo – a perfect spot for tales, imagination, and connection.
We’re delighted to launch this brand-new event at Ferne with a visit from beloved children’s author Claire Barker on Thursday 21st August at 12pm, introducing her enchanting new story, Hettie Nettle – a must-read for imaginative young guardians of nature.
This special event will include:
Two storytelling sessions, each lasting approx 45 minutes
A fun and friendly Q&A with Claire
An opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Hettie Nettle
Tickets: £10 per child (ages 6–10) – includes event entry and a magical experience in our sanctuary setting
Surrounded by wildlife and inspired by the Five Animal Freedoms, this is a unique chance for children to connect with stories, animals, and the natural world.
Spaces are limited – don’t miss out on this enchanting afternoon at Ferne!
Ferne’s Open Day!
Free entry for all visitors! Never visited Ferne before or haven’t been in a while? Join us on the 23rd of August to explore all we have to offer and be inspired to want to make a difference and support our work with animals in need. A regular at Ferne? Pop along to say hello and enjoy the sanctuary.
Behind-the-scenes guided tour: Led by our Animal Care & Land Manager Nikki, this special tour offers a deep insight into our work at Ferne. Meet our animal care team, learn how we manage the animals and their individual needs, and hear the stories of some of our residents firsthand. (Approx. 2.5 hours). Tickets for the behind the scenes tour are now fully booked.
Pop-up charity shop: Meet our Retail Operations Manager and Retail Area Manager, who will be running a pop-up charity shop at the sanctuary. Discover hidden gems and enjoy a bargain! We have 7 charity shops in local towns: Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Yeovil, Dorchester, Sidmouth, and Wellington.
Creative Corner: Our arts and crafts room will be open for you to participate in animal-themed arts and crafts.
Access to the sanctuary: Take a leisurely walk around the sanctuary at your own pace. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Blackdown Hills from our viewing platform, explore the Willow Walk to learn about the 5 animal freedoms, stop by Blakeborough Gazebo, check out our bug hotels, make a wish at the George Miller wishing well, and play some tunes in our Sensory Garden.
The Hub: Our new event space is available to book for meetings and events. Any bookings on the day will receive a 20% discount on room hire! Learn about all the ways to support the sanctuary, including becoming a Friend of Ferne, sponsoring an animal, playing our weekly lottery, volunteering, gifts in wills, corporate sponsorship, or fundraising for us.
Join us for another annual Dog Show! This year there’ll also be a car boot sale!
Join us for a tail-wagging day of fun at our Family Fun Dog Show & Car Boot Sale!
Bring the whole family, including your four-legged friends, for a day packed with adorable dog classes, bargain hunting, tasty treats, and community cheer. Whether you’re showing off your pup’s best tricks or browsing for hidden treasures at the boot sale, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on games, prizes, and great memories!
Your £10 per car entrance fee includes access to the dog show, stalls, car boot and entry to the sanctuary itself. If you’d like to enter one of our dog show classes, this will be an additional £2 per class.
Dog Show Classes: Best Veteran, Cutest Youngster, Loveliest Little Dog, Loveliest Large Dog, Prettiest Bitch, Most Handsome Dog, Best Trick, Best Ferne Rescue, Best Rescue, Dog With the Waggiest Tail, Best in Show, Best Child Handler.
Challenges: Sit & Stay Challenge, Have a go Agility, Temptation Alley
If you’d like to sell at our car boot, this will be £5 per car. 🚗
Creative Corner will be moving up to the dog show field with lots of arts & crafts and don’t miss the opportunity to guess the name of the toy dog 🐶
We will have food available to purchase within our dog show field as well as an ice cream van 🍦 or you’re welcome to visit Perdida Cafe within the sanctuary.
🎉 Ferne’s Charity Gala – Celebrating 50 Years at Wambrook! 🎉
Sponsorsed by C&D South West Ltd
While Ferne was founded in 1939, this year marks a special milestone, 50 wonderful years at our Wambrook home! To celebrate, we’re thrilled to invite you to our very first Charity Gala.
📍 Venue: The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, TA19 9AR
📅 Date: Friday, 3rd October
🕡 Time: Arrival from 18:30 | Carriages at 23:30
👗👔 Dress Code: Evening Wear (no black tie required, but please skip the jeans and t-shirts)
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, entertainment, and community spirit.
🎟️ Tickets: £45
Your ticket includes:
- A delicious 2-course meal (main & dessert)
- A welcome drink on arrival
- An inspiring talk by Pen Farthing of Nowzad
- Live music from the fantastic Guilty Pleasure
- A silent auction and raffle with incredible prizes!
🌟 Auction Highlights:
- Champagne afternoon tea for two at The Ritz
- A thrilling Ferrari dealership tour and passenger ride at Carrs Ferrari
- 18 holes of golf for four at Cricket St Thomas Golf Club
- Exeter Chiefs match tickets
- Two weekend getaways in Cornwall
- Wine tasting and Vineyard tour for two
- …and much more!
Bring your friends and family for a night of great food, great music, and great prizes — all in support of Ferne!
10 seated per table – please do e-mail frm@ferneanimalsanctuary.org if purchasing tickets separately to ensure the best chance of being seated together. Please also e-mail any dietary requirements.
Book your tickets here!
Please note: Tickets are non refundable and this is an adult only event.
