Ferne Animal Sanctuary, launches its Summer of Fun holiday schedule, promising a bumper calendar of activities designed to entertain the whole family all summer long.

Running throughout the school holidays, the programme includes a mix of animal encounters, story trails, nature-based crafts, creative workshops and family-friendly adventures across the Sanctuary's beautiful 72-acre site.

The line-up includes:

• Summer Fete - Sunday 20th July
• Fur the Love of Football - Throughout July
• Willows & Words: Author Emma Carroll - Thursday 7th August
• Willows & Words: Author Claire Barker - Thursday 21st August
• Ferne Animal Sanctuary Open Day - Saturday 23rd August
• The Big Butterfly Count 2025 - Now to 10th August
• Ferne Rocks! - Throughout the summer holidays

Whether you're raising a mini adventurer, a budding artist or an animal-loving bookworm, Ferne has something to spark every imagination this summer.

Highlights include:

Summer Fete - Sunday 20th July 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm

Set in the beautiful Blackdown Hills, the event promises a fun-filled day of entertainment, games and hands-on activities for all ages. Highlights include wildlife encounters with the Somerset Moth Group, giant outdoor games like hoopla and noughts and crosses, a Creative Corner for arts and crafts, and an indoor beach complete with sandpits, paddling pools, and pet care advice.

Ticket price: £1 per child, £5 per adult – pets welcome for free

For more information on the event, visit: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/about-ferne/events-and-whats-on/

The first of two Willow and Words events for young bookworms offering a special morning of creativity and storytelling led by best-selling children's author Emma Carroll. Aimed at young readers aged 9–11, the session will include a reading from Emma's latest historical adventure, The Houdini Inheritance, followed by a creative writing workshop where she'll share her tips for crafting compelling stories and characters. Set in the tranquil surroundings of Ferne's storytelling gazebo, the event will end with a book signing and the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Emma's book. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

Ticket price: £10 per person

For more information and to book, visit: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/product/emma-carroll-author-event/

Willows & Words: An Enchanting Afternoon with Author Claire Barker - Thursday 21st August 2025, 12 pm

In the second in the series of Willows and Words events, beloved children's author Claire Barker leads a magical afternoon of storytelling and imagination in the heart of Ferne's scenic Willow Walk. Set within the Blakeborough Storytelling Gazebo, Claire will introduce her enchanting new book Hettie Nettle — a must-read for young nature lovers. The session includes two storytelling sittings (each approx. 45 minutes), a fun and friendly Q&A, and the chance to purchase a signed copy of Hettie Nettle.

Inspired by the Five Animal Freedoms and surrounded by the sanctuary's wildlife, this special event offers children aged between 6 -10 a unique chance to connect with stories, animals, and the natural world.

Ticket price: £10 per person

For more information and to book, visit: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/product/claire-barker-author-event/

Ferne Animal Sanctuary Open Day - Saturday 23rd August, 10 am to 4 pm

A fun-packed day for the whole family with free entry, allowing visitors to explore the sanctuary and enjoy a variety of activities. The day promises to be filled with animal-themed arts and crafts at the Creative Corner, with a pop-up charity shop featuring unique bargains, and a chance to stroll through the grounds to enjoy a tranquil walk in the beautiful 72-acre working sanctuary. Along the way, guests can enjoy scenic views of the Blackdown Hills, visit the Sensory Garden, explore bug hotels, make a wish at the George Miller wishing well, and learn about the five animal freedoms on the Willow Walk. The event also highlights many ways to support the sanctuary, including sponsoring animals, volunteering, fundraising, or becoming a Friend of Ferne. The new event space, The Hub, will offer a 20% discount on bookings made during the day.

Ticket price: Free

For more information on the event, visit: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/about-ferne/events-and-whats-on/

The summer of fun continues with other activities, including;

The Big Butterfly Count 2025 – from now to 10th August

The Creative Corner will support the Big Butterfly Count 2025 with advice and activity sheets available to help nature lovers to log and report native butterfly and caterpillar sightings while enjoying the grounds of the sanctuary.

Ferne Rocks! – throughout the summer holidays

Throughout the summer holidays, the Creative Corner will invite young artists to paint a Ferne Rock. After a short drying period, participants can take their completed rock—featuring a #fernerocks sticker on the back—and rehide it somewhere during their travels to see how far it goes! Available to all valid ticket holders.

Fur the love of Football – activities throughout July

Getting into the football spirit this July, Ferne invites everyone to join the fun while fundraising. In celebration of Ferne's very own lioness, Priscilla the cat, supporters are encouraged to enter the "Design Your Own Team Ferne Kit" competition. For just £2, entries can be submitted online or in person for a chance to see the winning design made into a real t-shirt.

For more information on football-themed activities at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, visit: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/about-ferne/events-and-whats-on/

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a non-government funded charity that has provided refuge and rehabilitation to its animals for more than 80 years. Located in a National Landscapes area and nested in the Blackdown Hills near Chard, Somerset, Ferne Animal Sanctuary houses and cares for more than 300 animals on its 72-acre site.

For more information about Ferne Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org