The challenges we’re facing this winter began long before the colder months arrived.

Last year’s weather in 2025, marked by a late and very dry spring followed by an exceptionally dry summer, had a serious impact on hay production across the country, with many farmers reporting hay yields 45–50% lower than normal.

For us at Ferne, this meant poor grass growth and reduced grazing, forcing us to start supplementing some of our animals with hay as early as July. Using winter feed supplies in the middle of summer is never ideal, and it has left our hay reserves far lower than we would usually expect at this point in the year.

Now, in January, as the cold, wet months continue many of our animals are living inside our barns with pasture grazing no longer possible, hay has become an essential lifeline – unfortunately, our remaining reserves are already running low.

To keep our animals fed, healthy, and comfortable through the rest of the winter, we urgently need to purchase an additional 1,000 bales of hay, but due to the shortages caused by last year’s poor harvests, sourcing hay remains extremely challenging, and the total cost is expected to be around £5,000.

We’re asking for your help to refill our barn and secure the forage our four-legged residents depend on during the months ahead. With so many mouths to fee, every donation, no matter the size, will make a genuine difference, helping to keep our animals well cared for t(and well fed) throughout the winter.

If we are fortunate enough to exceed our target, any additional funds raised will go towards other essential winter costs, helping us keep our animals warm, safe, and supported until spring arrives.

Thank you for standing with Ferne and continuing to support the animals who call our sanctuary home.

Please, if you can, donate here.