Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard, Somerset
The 72 acres of glorious countryside at Ferne Animal Sanctuary are home to lots of contented animals who have been rescued after being unwanted or abandoned, some in the most dire circumstances. But here they are truly happy, well looked after, nourished and fed, with a warm, safe place to live.
If you have younger children with you on your family holiday in Devon, pop along. The setting is peaceful and beautiful and you can wander round and say hello to the goats, pigs, horses and sheep, and to the rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and ferrets. Ducks and chicken peck about happily, there’s a cattery and a dog paddock where some of the animals see out their days and others find their forever home elsewhere as part of the rehoming programme which is a big part of what they do at Ferne Animal Sanctuary.
Amble around the nature trail looking out for dragonflies and butterflies, delight in the sensory garden, let the little ones let off steam in the woodland play area, stop off at the thatched farmhouse café for homemade cakes and light bites. It’s a little piece of heaven in the Blackdown Hills.
Open: Daily from 10am – 5pm, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
T: 01460 65214 All information correct at the time of writing.