Ferne was set up through the foresight of a local lady – the late Nina, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon – who realised that men and women going off to war had no-one to take care of their animals and so would require a temporary refuge for them.

The Duchess put a call out on the BBC and legend has it that when she returned to her London home there were a number of cats and dogs on her doorstep and also a parrot!

The need for our work continues to this day. This page includes some of the notable milestones of the charity. Much more information is available at the sanctuary – why not pay us a visit?