From wartime beginnings to today: The story of Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s CEO and Animal Care Manager were honoured to be invited to the Animals in War Memorial in Hyde Park, London, on Poppy Day to share the story of our charity and its remarkable connection to animals and the Armed Forces.

For Ferne Animal Sanctuary, this was a particularly meaningful invitation. Our story began during the Second World War, when the needs of animals belonging to service men and women inspired one remarkable woman to take action.

A fitting place to share the story of Ferne

The Animals in War Memorial, situated at Brook Gate on Park Lane, beside Hyde Park, is a powerful tribute to the millions of animals that have served, suffered and died alongside British, Commonwealth and Allied forces.

Unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal on 24 November 2004, the memorial recognises the extraordinary contribution animals have made during times of conflict. From horses, mules and dogs to pigeons and many other animals, their courage, loyalty and service have played an important part in military history.

For Ferne Animal Sanctuary, being invited to speak at this special location carried an added significance. Our own history is intertwined with the experiences of people going away to serve their country and the animals they were forced to leave behind.

The wartime origins of Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Ferne’s story began in 1939, at the outbreak of the Second World War, with one remarkable woman, Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon.

Nina opened her estate near Shaftesbury, and during the war, more than 6,000 animals found refuge there. Emma shared the story of Ferne and reflected on what its beginnings must have meant to the families facing the uncertainty of war.

“It’s a real privilege to be here today, representing Ferne Animal Sanctuary, as we come together to remember those who served, those who sacrificed so much, and the animals whose lives were also caught up in the horrors of war.

Ferne’s story began in 1939, at the outbreak of the Second World War, with one remarkable woman, Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon.

Nina was a passionate animal welfare campaigner, someone who wasn’t afraid to stand up for animals that had no voice of their own.

As Britain prepared for war, thousands of families faced heartbreaking decisions about the animals they loved. What followed became known as the Great British Pet Massacre, when hundreds of thousands of pets were destroyed in the opening days of the war.

Nina was horrified. She believed there had to be another way.

In August 1939, she appealed through the BBC for safe homes for animals whose owners were leaving for war or could no longer care for them. And from that act of compassion, Ferne Animal Sanctuary was born.

Nina opened her estate near Shaftesbury, and during the war, more than 6,000 animals found safety at Ferne. I often think about what that must have meant to the men and women leaving their homes, not knowing when, or even if, they would return.

Amidst all that uncertainty, at least they could take some comfort in knowing their beloved animals were safe, waiting for the day they could be reunited.

Sadly, for many, that reunion never came. But Ferne remained, and so did its commitment to animals in need.

The sanctuary provided a vital lifeline for animals whose families were serving their country. However, the end of the war did not mean the end of their need for help. Sadly, many owners never returned to collect their pets, and the sanctuary continued to provide a home and a future for those animals.

A lasting connection with the Armed Forces

Ferne’s connection with the Armed Forces is not simply a part of our history; it is fundamental to why the charity was established.

The Duchess understood that the bond between people and their animals did not disappear when someone was called away to serve. She recognised that animals also needed protection during wartime and that they should not be forgotten.

It is a connection that makes the Animals in War Memorial such an appropriate place for Ferne to share its story.

The memorial reminds us that animals have always been part of the human experience of conflict. While many served directly alongside military personnel, others, like the pets cared for by Nina, were affected by war in different but equally heartbreaking ways.

Continuing her speech, Emma reflected on the animals who served alongside military personnel and the importance of remembering their contribution:

“Today, as we remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served, we also remember the horses, dogs, pigeons and countless other animals who served alongside them. Animals who showed extraordinary loyalty and courage, but had no choice in the part they played.

Their stories deserve to be remembered.”

From a wartime refuge to a Somerset sanctuary

Following the death of Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon, in 1951, the sanctuary continued under new leadership. In 1975, Ferne moved from its original Wiltshire home to its present location in Wambrook, near Chard, Somerset.

Today, we care for over 250 animals across our 72-acre sanctuary in the beautiful Somerset countryside.Since Ferne began, we have helped over 40,000 animals in need. Although the world has changed enormously since 1939, the need for Ferne’s work remains.

We continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals, provide lifelong sanctuary to those who need it, and support people who, through no fault of their own, can no longer care for the animals they love.

The reasons animals need us today may be different. Neglect, illness, bereavement or simply circumstances beyond someone’s control. But the heartbreak of having to give up an animal you love is something Nina would have understood all too well.

Some animals find loving new homes, while others stay at Ferne for the rest of their lives, receiving the individual care, attention and compassion they deserve.

The same compassion, 87 years later

Like many charities, Ferne has faced its own challenges over the years. It hasn’t always been easy, and it isn’t always easy today.

But 87 years on, we are still here, still caring, and still determined to make a difference. Because the principle on which Nina founded Ferne has never changed.

As Emma said in her speech:

“When an animal needs help, someone should be there.”

Reflecting on Ferne’s place in history and the legacy of its founder Emma continued:

“For me, Ferne is a small but lasting part of that history. Born out of the darkness of war, built on compassion, and still offering safety and hope 87 years later. I hope Nina would be proud that what she started all those years ago continues today.

And I hope that, for those of you hearing Ferne’s story for the first time, you will remember that tucked away in the Somerset countryside, her legacy lives on, in every animal we rescue, every life we help change and every second chance we give.”

We are incredibly proud of our heritage and grateful to have had the opportunity to share the story of Ferne at such a meaningful memorial. More than 87 years after our doors first opened, our promise remains the same: to be there for animals when they need us most

Help us continue Ferne’s story

Ferne Animal Sanctuary receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of supporters, donations, fundraising and volunteers to continue its vital work.

Every donation helps us provide food, shelter, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and lifelong care for animals who need us. If you would like to help us continue the legacy that began in 1939, please consider supporting Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

Visit our website to find out more about our work, and discover how you can support our mission.