Ferne Animal Sanctuary, the Somerset based animal rehabilitation and rehoming charity, has launched an appeal to raise £10,000 to replace its rotting feed room.

The existing feed room, which stores fresh and dry foods for the resident animals at the working sanctuary, was constructed of wood in 2004. Over the last few years, the wooden walls and roof have rotted leaving the vital food stores open to pests and weather damage.

Nikki Haddock, Animal Care Manager at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, says, "Our priority is always to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the animals in our care. The feed room plays a central role in ensuring every animal receives the right nutrition in a safe, clean and controlled environment. From our smallest residents like guinea pigs and rabbits to our older sheep, goats and pigs, the feed room really is where every meal begins and where we make sure each animal gets exactly what they need.

"Many of our residents have complex or age-related needs, requiring well stored and good quality feed, medication and health records. As the space has aged, we've become increasingly aware of the risks it now poses, particularly around hygiene and potential pest access. Pest contamination and weather damage can leave the food spoilt and unsuitable for use"

The charity is exploring funding opportunities through specialist grants which it hopes will cover £7,000 of the total cost to replace the feed room, leaving £3,000 funding gap to secure the new building.

Emma Green, Fundraising Manager at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, added, "Our feed costs have risen sharply over the past year, which has had a significant impact on the cost of running the sanctuary. With these increasing costs, it's more important than ever that we have a safe, secure space to store the valuable feed and medication that we purchase for our animals.

"Raising £10,000 is a huge target for our team, particularly at a time when we know many people are facing challenges themselves. We are actively exploring grant support, but many funders will look more favourably on an application when a portion of the funding is already in place.

"That's where our supporters make such a difference. If we can raise £3,000, we believe that we can secure the remaining £7,000 through grants. We know it's a big ask and we're incredibly grateful for any support people are able to give to help us reach this goal."

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To support Ferne Animal Sanctuary's feed room appeal, please donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/feedroomappeal

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a non-government funded charity that has provided refuge and rehabilitation to its animals for more than 85 years. Located in a Natural 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 tickets and Ferne Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org