Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Ready to make your miles count? There’s just five weeks left until the run. Join us for the The Ilminster 10k and help raise funds for Ferne and The Minster Milers’ Running Club. Whether you're running for fitness or to show your support, every step you take will make all the difference. Date: Sunday, 6th April Time: 10 AM Location: Starting and ending at the Archie Gooch Pavilion, Canal Way, Ilminster. Runners must be 16 years old, or above. Sign up today and be part of something special! https://race-nation.co.uk/register/minster-milers/minster-milers-ilminster-10k #theilminster10k #minstermilers #ferneanimalsanctuary #racenation #runningforcharity

Take on the Ilminster 10k Challenge this April! Whether you're an experienced runner or simply looking to be part of something positive in your local community, this event is for you. Every step you take helps support our Sanctuary and the animals who need it most. Your participation and generosity also contribute to raising funds for the Minster Milers' Running Club, who very kindly split any funds raised with us. Join us at 10 AM on Sunday, April 6th, as we set off from The Archie Gooch Pavilion, Canal Way, Ilminster. Runners must be 16 years old, or older. Are you up for it? We would love you to Join us for this fantastic fitness and fundraising event! Book your spot here: https://race-nation.co.uk/register/minster-milers/minster-milers-ilminster-10k #ferneanimalsanctuary #ilminster10k Minster Milers

Thanks to your generosity and support of our recent washing machine appeal, you’ve raised an incredible £10,237,75! (including Gift Aid). This will allow us to secure a brand-new two-year lease with breakdown cover on an industrial washing machine and tumble dryer for our sanctuary. We are deeply grateful to all our supporters for making this possible. The new machines will help ensure the fifty-plus loads of laundry we process each week run smoothly, keeping our animals’ bedding clean and dry. Once again, we are so grateful for your kindness! 💚 📷 Pictured here is our Animal Care Manager in the laundry room!

There's something for everyone to enjoy at our upcoming Spring Festival! Browse a variety of unique stalls from local traders, offering everything from handmade crafts to special treats for you and your pets. For the little ones, we have a range of Easter-themed activities, including an exciting Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts in our Creative Corner, and the chance to follow our special Easter trail around the sanctuary. A highlight for children will be the opportunity to meet and greet the Easter bunny! Food lovers won't want to miss our local vendor, Butter Side Up Toasties, serving up delicious gourmet toasties to keep everyone fuelled throughout the day. As you enjoy the spring festivities, don't forget to take a leisurely stroll around the sanctuary and meet some of the animals we care for. Every penny raised during our Spring Festival helps us continue our vital work rescuing and rehoming animals in need. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family along for a fantastic day out at Ferne Animal Sanctuary! Entry will at a reduced price of £5 an adult, £3 a child (this includes all activities). Use this link to discover more and see what else we’ve got coming up at Ferne: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/about-ferne/events-and-whats-on/ #ferneanimalsanctuary #whatsonsomerset #dogfriendlydaysoutsomerset #thingstodoinsomerset

The Ilminster 10k is a run you won’t forget! Take on this undulating, multi-terrain course through beautiful South Somerset and enjoy the stunning views of Dillington Estate. Starting and finishing at the Archie Gooch Pavilion, you’ll navigate country lanes, a farm track, and even across fields, before finishing through Ilminster’s historic Town Square. This event is proudly supporting Ferne Animal Sanctuary, helping raise vital funds for animal rescue. When: Sunday, 6th April 2025 Time: 10 AM Where: Starting and ending at the Archie Gooch Pavilion, Canal Way, Ilminster. All run finishers will receive this year’s fantastic The Ilminster 10k medal. Richard, one of our trustees is seen here with John, from the Minster Milers Running club enjoying a bit of practice at the sanctuary - and let’s not forget Freddy Ferne too! Runners must be 16 years or older. To find out more, or book your spot, please use this link: https://race-nation.co.uk/register/minster-milers/minster-milers-ilminster-10k #ferneanimalsanctuary #theilminster10k #runningcommunity #fernerescue #somersetrunners

It’s fast approaching! Get ready for a morning of inspiration with Mark Ormrod MBE. We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mark Ormrod MBE, to Ferne Animal Sanctuary for a powerful morning of storytelling and motivation. Mark will be sharing his journey of overcoming life-changing injuries from his time in Afghanistan, and how he’s turned adversity into strength. His talk will cover everything from mental resilience to finding hope and motivation when facing life’s toughest battles. Plus, don’t miss the chance to ask your questions during a Q&A session! Date: March 7th Time: 10am Location: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Conference Room Tickets: £30. Discounts available for veterans and their families with a valid Armed forced ID card. All funds raised will be kindly donated by Mark to Ferne in support of the animals in our care. Hurry, tickets are limited – secure yours today: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/product/a-morning-with-mark-ormrod-mbe/ #ferneanimalsanctuary #animalcharity #fernerescue #animalwelfarechard #markormrod #ferneanimalsanctuary #animalcharity #fernerescue #animalwelfarechard

We've had a lot of miserable, rainy days this winter so the dogs are spending less time playing in the outdoor paddocks. Every afternoon, after everyone has had a good walk, we offer an enrichment activity which could be in the social unit with a volunteer, having cuddles or a food puzzle toy like the ones seen here. At Ferne, we take the time to learn what motivates each individual and use their favourite treats in the puzzle feeders. These are brilliant for engaging that amazing nose and practicing problem solving. It's great mental stimulation, encourages natural behaviours which helps prevent less desirble behaviour. Please enjoy this lovely video shared by our animal care team! #ferneanimalsanctuary #animalcharity #fernerescue #animalwelfarechard

We're thrilled to welcome Mark Ormrod MBE to Ferne Animal Sanctuary on Friday, March 7th at 10am for a powerful morning of resilience and inspiration. Mark, a motivational speaker, author, and former Royal Marine, will share his incredible journey of recovery after sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan. His story is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the power of mental toughness. After the talk, there will be a Q&A, where Mark will answer your questions and share more about overcoming adversity. Ferne Animal Sanctuary has a long-standing connection to the Armed Forces, dating back to 1939 - originally a place where military personnel could leave their animals when going to war. Today, the sanctuary continues providing animals in need with shelter and the care they deserve. Tickets: £30, or £25 for veterans and their families with an Armed Forces ID card. Date: Friday, March 7th Time: 10am Location: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Conference Room All proceeds go to supporting our animals, generously donated by Mark. Limited tickets available! Don’t miss out on this inspiring event. Book now: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/product/a-morning-with-mark-ormrod-mbe/ Please share with anyone who you think might be interested! 💚 #ferneanimalsanctuary #MarkOrmrod

Play Ferne’s weekly lottery and support a great cause! At Ferne Animal Sanctuary, we run a weekly lottery in association with Unity Lottery. Not only could you win up to £25,000, but you’ll also be supporting our mission to provide shelter, care, and new homes for animals in need. For just £1 per week, you’re entered into the draw, and 50% of your ticket price goes directly to supporting our work. How it works: Just £1 per entry Weekly draws on Fridays Up to £25,000 to be won 50% of every ticket supports Ferne Animal Sanctuary Want to play and support the animals? https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/weekly-lottery/ Thank you for helping us make a difference at Ferne. Players must be 18 or older. Be Gamble Aware. #ferneanimalsanctuary #WeeklyLottery

Spaying and neutering play a vital role in preventing unwanted litters and reducing the number of animals in rescue shelters or living as strays. It’s a simple but powerful way to help tackle pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare. In the UK several charities and organisations help those who cannot afford the cost of spaying or neutering their pets - (depending on your area) these include: PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) - PDSA offers discounted or free neutering services to pet owners who meet certain criteria, such as receiving specific benefits. Blue Cross - Blue Cross provides help with neutering costs in some areas for pet owners on a low income or receiving benefits. RSPCA - The RSPCA offers neutering vouchers in certain regions to assist with the cost of spaying or neutering pets. Cats Protection - Cats Protection has a dedicated neutering scheme offering reduced-cost neutering for cats in many parts of the UK. Dogs Trust - Dogs Trust runs a subsidised neutering scheme for dog owners who are on benefits or have a low income, available in specific areas. Let’s all unite in doing the right thing for our pets this World Spay Day. 💚 Head over to our latest blog article where you can learn more about the importance of spaying and neutering. https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/world-spay-day/ #ferneanimalsanctuary #animalcharity #fernerescue #animalwelfarechard #spayday #WorldSpayDay

While Ferne Animal Sanctuary has now been working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need for over 80 years, it is solely through the generosity and compassion of our supporters that this is possible. One opportunity to gain this invaluable support is through Corporate Sponsorship, and we are hoping for your help in sharing this message. If your employer might be interested in supporting their community, we would love to hear from them. As well as our outlined sponsorship levels, there are many ways in which we can work together with organisations. For example, M&J Bowers, confidential waste disposal specialists in Yeovil, recently raised an amazing £1,205.76 by donating their confidential waste fees for the month of October last year. In addition to making a positive impact, corporate volunteering days can provide opportunities for team building and a chance to learn new skills. We are open to and would love to hear any ideas that they might have! If your employer has any questions or would like to discuss in more detail how they can make a real difference to a worthy cause, please share the following contact details: call: 01460 65214 or email: [email protected] You can also learn more here: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/support-us/corporate-sponsorship-2/ #ferneanimalsanctuary #animalcharity #fernerescue #CorporateSponsorship

We're gearing up for race day! Excitement is building for the Minster Milers Ilminster 10K, and training has begun here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary. No one is feeling it more than Freddy Ferne - he's been showing us the ropes as the countdown to the big race on April 6th continues! Every step taken supports a great cause, and we can't wait to cheer everyone on. Are you training for a challenge this year? Let us know in the comments! Or, If you're looking to get involved in the Minster Milers annual 10k run you can learn more and sign up here: https://race-nation.co.uk/register/minster-milers Freddy Ferne limbering up with Richard - one of our trustees and an avid Minster Miler John. #ferneanimalsanctuary #animalcharity #fernerescue #animalwelfarechard #minstermilers #runninglife #RunningLifelnspiration #racenation