This year marks a very special milestone: we’ve been based at our beautiful site at  Wambrook in Somerset for 50 years, having moved here in 1975. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on half a century of caring, evolving, and serving animals in need and to look ahead with renewed commitment.

From wartime beginnings to 1975: The roots

The story of Ferne begins in 1939, when the late Nina Douglas Hamilton, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon founded what would become the sanctuary at her home, the Ferne Estate, in Wiltshire. Her vision was born out of necessity: with the onset of war, many pet-owners left their homes and the animals had nowhere safe to go. The Duchess appealed via the BBC, and soon animals began arriving at Ferne.

In 1940, the estate was used to house rescued animals from London and other southern cities. Following her death in 1951, leadership passed to Louise Lind-af-Hageby.

In 1965 the charity formally registered and the groundwork was laid for future expansion.

1975 – the move to Wambrook: A new chapter begins

In 1975 the sanctuary moved to its current premises in the Blackdown Hills overlooking the River Yarty Valley in Somerset: a 52-acre site of glorious countryside in Wambrook.

This relocation was a significant step. It provided a spacious, peaceful setting well suited to receiving and caring for animals of all kinds (horses, ponies, farm animals, cats, dogs, birds, small mammals) and enabled growth of facilities and services.

Key milestones since the move

Here are some of the landmark moments in the past five decades:

• 1989 – The Sanctuary marked its Golden Jubilee (50 years since founding) at the original site.
• 1992 – The “George Miller Wishing Well” was built on the site.
• 1994 – The first Annual Dog Show was held, engaging local community and supporters.
• 2016 – A new re-homing centre opened, doubling the dog re-homing capacity – marking a major expansion of services.
• 2017 – The Rona Harman Visitor Centre opened, aimed at enhancing visitor understanding of Ferne’s work. Meanwhile, a special-care unit for cats and kittens was added.
• 2018 – With support from the Montague Panton Animal Welfare Trust, Ferne acquired the neighbouring farm, adding 20 acres of grazing land and further capacity for equine and farm animals.
• 2025 – A very exciting development: the opening of the on-site café, Perdida at Ferne. Based at the sanctuary, the café offers fresh fusion food (predominantly plant-based) and welcomes both visitors to the sanctuary and guests simply coming for the café experience.
• 2025 – Celebrating 50 years at Wambrook, we launched anniversary events including a gala dinner and online auction to mark the milestone.

Over the years this site has enabled more than just animal sheltering. Its rural setting, expansive acreage and dedicated visitor facilities have made it a place where:

• Animals can live, rehabilitate and be re-homed in a setting that supports their welfare and dignity
• Visitors and supporters can connect with the work, learn about animal welfare and join the community of care
• We can grow our scope and services, from smaller companion animals to equines, farm animals and many others.

Looking Ahead – The next 50 years

As we move into the next phase of our journey, the focus remains clear: to continue rescuing, sheltering, rehabilitating and re-homing animals in need; to educate and inspire visitors and supporters; to maintain and enhance the facilities; and to ensure sustainability in a changing world. The additions of recent years (visitor centre, expanded grazing land, improved re-homing capacity and Perdida) show how the charity is evolving to meet demand and standards.

A milestone like this is only possible because of the generosity of many: volunteers, donors, event supporters, local community, and every person who has ever walked through the gate, re-homed an animal or given their time. As we mark 50 years at Wambrook, it’s a moment to thank each one of you for being part of the story.

Find out more about our history here, or plan your next trip.