The Rona Harman Visitor Centre was built in late 2016 and formally opened in 2017.

This was made possible thanks to our fabulous supporter Rona Harman and funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Making it Local Project.

The centre provides a warm welcome to all our visitors as well as being the home to our conference facilities.  It proudly displays a plaque recognising the funding that made this building possible.

Inside, you will find more about the history of Ferne, heart-warming stories of our animals and a marvellous three-dimensional wall depicting the many animals that can be found at the sanctuary.

Named after and dedicated to one of our most fervent supporters.

A lifelong lover of animals, Rona Harman first visited Ferne in 1999 seeking a home for her three tortoises that she was no longer able to look after.

She was a Friend of Ferne from 2009 until her passing in 2015; it was her legacy that allowed us to build the visitor centre that now proudly bears her name!

A true supporter of the Sanctuary, we are so grateful for her generosity and so pleased that her name will forever be associated with the cause that meant so much to her.

We hope you will make time to come and visit Ferne and stay a while in the Visitor Centre where you will be assured of a warm welcome.