Ferne is one of the oldest animal charities in the UK. Thanks to the foresight and passion of Lady Nina, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon, The Ferne Estate located on the Wiltshire Dorset border, started taking in animals in 1939 at the outbreak of World War 2. It was Lady Nina’s understanding that very many animals would temporarily or permanently lose their owners to war, or otherwise find themselves displaced by the bombing, which drove her to launching her request for free animal accommodation via the BBC in August 1939. During the six years of war between 1939-1945 it is estimated that Ferne rescued and rehabilitated approximately six thousand dogs, cats, equines, and other animals.

Ferne became a registered charity in 1965 and relocated to form Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset in 1975. Throughout the past eighty-five years we have rescued, rehabilitated, or rehomed circa forty thousand animals. There are always approximately three hundred animals on the 72-acre sanctuary, and another 200-250 animals successfully rehomed each year.

It is vital that we continue to carry out our much-needed animal welfare work for another eighty-five years, and beyond; yet we find ourselves amid an unprecedented and severe financial downturn and need your help now more than ever!

In the past two years alone vet & medical bills have risen by over 46%, feed & bedding by over 30%, utilities and compulsory professional fees by over 50%, and labour by circa 20%+. We have done everything possible to mitigate against these costs, taking action to reduce where possible and grow other income streams to contribute to the animal welfare. However, there is a very real and immediate risk that the cash will run out in just a few months’ time.

Right now, Ferne must cover a shortfall in its monthly costs of circa £25,000 per month.

Over the next four months, if we can reach our target of raising £100,000 through this urgent appeal, we will have rescued & rehabilitated so many more unwanted and abandoned animals and will also be in a stable position to face the autumn and winter ahead.

Please Help and Donate what you can.

Every single donation will make a difference!

Your support will enable Ferne to care for another 40,000 animals over the next 85 years!

It would be devastating to lose our historic animal welfare charity and all the joy, companionship, and happiness it brings to both animals and people.