What’s on at Ferne
Upcoming Events and Activities…
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.
Timings:
11am – Children 5 and under
11:45 – Children 6 and over
Please allow enough time to park, go through our entrance and get to the location of the egg hunt in the sanctuary.
🐰 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!
Ferne Animal Sanctuary – Summer Solstice Wellness Day
Celebrate the first day of astrological summer with a rejuvenating day of self-care, connection, and relaxation at the beautiful Ferne Animal Sanctuary, nestled in the heart of the Blackdown Hills.
As we welcome the longest day of the year, this special retreat invites you to pause, reset, and realign your body, mind, and spirit in a peaceful natural setting.
Morning Session
Your day begins with experienced yoga teacher Karen Ward, who will guide you on a calming forest bathing walk through the tranquil sanctuary grounds.
Following the walk, enjoy a gentle outdoor yoga session on the scenic viewing platform, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Blackdown Hills. This grounding practice is suitable for all experience levels.
Outdoor session weather dependent – an indoor space will be available if needed.
Lunch at Perdida Café
After the morning activities, relax and refuel with a nourishing lunch at Perdida Café, overlooking the sanctuary’s peaceful lake.
Enjoy a refreshing smoothie or juice alongside a vibrant vegan or vegetarian bowl, made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients and packed with flavour.
Afternoon Sound Bath Experience
The afternoon begins with a guided meditation led by Jackie, honouring the energy of the Summer Solstice.
You will then be immersed in a deeply relaxing sound bath experience with Sarenity Sound Healing. During the session, crystal healer Louise will offer individual chakra realignment and energy clearing, spending approximately 10 minutes with each guest.
A sound bath is a calming meditative experience where soothing vibrations help quiet the mind, relax the body, and restore emotional balance—leaving you with a deep sense of clarity and peace.
All equipment is provided, including mats, blankets, cushions, and heated eye masks. Each guest will also receive a herbal tea blend to take home to help support grounding after the session.
*This event is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant or those with metal implants, heart conditions, or pacemakers due to the nature of the sound bath.
Spaces are limited – book your ticket here
A Heart‑Warming Day at the Sanctuary
Date and time: Saturday 27th June – 10am. Tickets are for age 16+ only
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into the peaceful surroundings of our sanctuary, a place where rescued animals get to live the life they deserve. Your ticket supports their ongoing care, enrichment, and wellbeing.
🐾 What Your Experience Includes
Welcome Reception, Slideshow & Refreshments
Ease into the day with a friendly welcome from our team, enjoy light refreshments, and watch a presentation sharing the stories of the sanctuary’s history, the work we do and our animals whose lives you’re helping transform.
🚶♂️ Guided Tour of the Sanctuary
Walk through our beautiful grounds as our knowledgeable team explain their some of our animals rescue journeys, and show you how your support helps them thrive.
🐑 Observe Animals enjoying life at the sanctuary
Witness the simple, joyful moments that define sanctuary life, animals grazing, playing, relaxing, and enjoying their safety and freedom. We can never guarantee which animals we’ll see on the day but you can be sure you’ll witness genuine moments of peace and contentment as our residents enjoy life in a safe and loving environment.
Click here to book
Somerset Axe Throwing is coming to Ferne Animal Sanctuary as part of our Summer Fun Day!
Sunday 19th July – 11am/12pm
Step into the lane, grab your axe, and feel the thrill of landing that perfect throw. This session includes expert coaching, fun competitive games, and plenty of chances to master your technique. Perfect for friends, couples, and groups looking for something unforgettable. No experience needed, just bring your energy and get ready to throw!
- Experienced axe coaching
- Safety netting and floor mats
- A variety of high quality axes
- Professional end-grain targets
The price for Axe throwing also includes entry to the sanctuary.
Book your ticket and choose a time slot here.
Minimum age: 10 (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult)
