Ferne Animal Sanctuary

03/09/2026

Join the Ferne team as a trustee!

We are looking for new trustees to join our board. If you share our enthusiasm for and commitment to animal welfare, please consider joining us to shape the strategic direction of the charity and support strong, effective governance.

Located on 72 acres of scenic Somerset countryside and home to over 300 animals, Ferne Animal Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat to relax and connect with nature.

This is a voluntary role requiring a time commitment of approximately 10 hours per month. The Board meets quarterly and Trustees also serve on one or more sub-committees.

We are looking for trustees who offer skills which complement those of our existing Trustees and would particularly like to hear from those with a Finance/Accounting background, ideally with an accounting qualification, but also welcome applications from those with commercial, business, retail or veterinary experience.

For more information, please go to our website and download the Trustee Recruitment Pack https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/about-ferne/vacancies/

[The application deadline is 23 September, with interviews at the sanctuary planned for 21 October.

03/09/2026

Anyone lost a canary in the Watchet area?

Please get in touch with us: 01460 65214
[email protected]

Share and help us get this little one back with its owner. 💛

03/09/2026

This glamorous granny is ready for a day out! ✨

Dressed in pre-loved finds from our Sidmouth charity shop, this happy customer is proving that fabulous fashion doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially when there’s a “glamorous granny day out” planned!

What do you think of her outfit?

At Ferne Charity Shops, we always have a fantastic selection of pre-loved clothing to help you find the perfect outfit for every occasion - whether it’s a glamorous granny day out or something a little more casual!

📍Find our Sidmouth shop at 5 New Street, EX10 8AR
Dogs welcome!

Photo shared with kind permission.

03/09/2026

Priscilla had us VERY worried!

Last month, not long after poor old Oscar got himself into a similar predicament, Priscilla was found injured following what appeared to have been a very eventful night.

She had suffered several puncture wounds to her back and sides, as well as a nasty gash down one of her legs. We’re not quite sure what happened, or what kind of animal was involved, but it was clear that she needed veterinary attention.

She was rushed to the vets for emergency treatment, where her wounds were cleaned and stitched before she was brought back to the sanctuary to begin her recovery.

Priscilla spent around two weeks resting safely tucked away in the cattery, and we’re delighted to say that she healed extremely well, although she made it very clear that she was not impressed with her temporary house arrest! 😾

There was certainly no shortage of vocal complaints about the change in routine, but Priscilla’s iconic attitude remained firmly intact throughout.

She’s a very independent, outdoorsy girl who loves roaming the sanctuary at all hours of the day and night, so there's no chance of keeping her contained - she thinks she’s a lion! 🦁 We’ve therefore set up wildlife cameras around the site to help us keep an eye on what’s out and about after dark.

Whilst we’re all over the moon that she has made a full recovery, her unexpected trip to the vets did come with a rather hefty bill of £900

But the most important thing is that Priscilla is back to her usual self, keeping a watchful eye on proceedings and offering occasional guided tours to visitors who stop to say hello.

Have you had the pleasure of her company during your visit?

~~~

For those who sponsor Priscilla, you should’ve received an update on email.

03/09/2026

🐾 DOG SHOW REMINDER! 🐾

Our 32nd Annual Dog Show is just around the corner, if you’re planning to visit Perdidaatferne Café during the dog show, booking is strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment, as it’s likely to be a busy day! You can find out more and book via their website: https://www.perdidaatferne.uk/

J&S ICES will also be joining us!
They’ll have you covered for all your ice cream and ice lolly needs, the perfect way to treat yourself and the family!

Ferne’s 32nd annual dog show
• No prebooking required, £10 per car
• September 6th 10am – 4pm
• First class commencing from 10:30, register on the day.
• At Ferne Animal Sanctuary TA20 3DH

02/09/2026

We need cakes, can you help?

Our Annual Dog Show & Car Boot Sale is happening this Sunday, 6th September, and we need as many cakes and bakes as possible to keep our stall full and our visitors happy!

Every cake donated helps raise vital funds for the animals here at Ferne!

Here’s how you can help:

• Bake or buy a cake (or two… or three!)
• Bring it along to the event field at the sanctuary on Sunday morning from 8.30am!
• OR drop it off at our Gift Shop before Sunday
• Label homemade bakes with a full ingredients list (this is essential for allergies)
Your bakes = wagging tails, full bellies, and second chances for the animals who rely on us.

Please, if you can, help us to make this year’s Dog Show & Car Boot our tastiest and most successful yet!

02/09/2026

Become a Friend of Ferne 🐾

A regular gift is one of the most powerful ways you can support the animals in our care – from just £3.50 per month.

Since we were founded, Ferne has helped over 40,000 animals. Today, we have over 300 residents here at the sanctuary, with hundreds more animals needing our help and support every year.

Our Friends of Ferne make this possible through their regular donations. This reliable income allows us to plan ahead and ensure funds can be directed where they’re needed most.

Be there for the next 40,000. Become a Ferne member today:

Become a Friend of Ferne from just £3.50 a month and give animals in need the second chance at happiness they deserve.

02/09/2026

Need a wardrobe refresh?!

We just wanted to ket you know - for one week only all clothing will be half-price at our Dorchester shop - please do pop in and have a browse - all funds raised directly support the animal at Ferne.

We look forward to seeing you - find us at 5 Cornhill, DT1 1BA
Open Mon- Sat 9am - 4.30pm and Sundays 10.30am - 4pm

Dogs welcome!

02/09/2026

Our 32nd annual dog show is just four days away. The team are busy getting the site ready to welcome you and your furry companions!

We are thrilled to announce that Cris and Jason from Health & Remedy and one of trustees Bob, will be joining us as this year’s Dog Show judges!

Many Chard locals will recognise Cris and Jason and will be just as excited as us to see them on the day, bringing lots of personality and fun to the judging process. Thank you!

Are you planning on entering your pooch into the show?

Here’s a reminder of the Classes:

• Cutest youngster
• Best Veteran
• Loveliest little dog
• Loveliest large dog
• Best Rescue
• Best Ferne Rescue
• Dog with the waggiest tail
• Most handsome dog
• Prettiest bitch
• Best Child handler (awarded in each class)
• Best trick
• Best in show

Ferne’s 32nd annual dog show
• No pre-booking required, £10 per car
• September 6th 10am – 4pm
• First class commencing from 10:30, register on the day.
• At Ferne Animal Sanctuary TA20 3DH

01/09/2026

We have lots of exciting stalls booked for our Dog Show on 6th September! 🐾

If you love having a mooch around stalls and seeing some beautiful handmade crafts, art, and more, this won’t be one to miss! ✨

Just a few of our fantastic stallholders include:

• Rob Wheeler Art- rob-wheeler.co.uk
• ayeshaburnelldesigns
• Pick Pocket Foragers
•

We will also have second hand goods on offer on our own Ferne stand and with our Car Booters!

Ferne’s 32nd annual dog show
• No pre-booking required, £10 per car
• September 6th 10am - 4pm
• First class commencing from 10:30, register on the day.
• At Ferne Animal Sanctuary TA20 3DH