 |
| Artist’s impression of the restored buildings |
Folly Farm Appeal
The Trust’s most ambitious project
Just over 15 years ago the Trust had the chance to purchase Folly Farm, a very special place in the Chew Valley. From the outset there was a grand vision to turn the Farm with its 250 acres of wildlife- rich land and historic buildings and features into a major showcase for the Trust and its work.
We finally have a unique opportunity to achieve
the vision for Folly Farm which may never come again – please help
ensure that we don’t lose it!
Over the years great progress has been made. The wildlife interest of
the land has been substantially enhanced and now forms an outstanding
nature reserve. The Farm has played host to thousands of young people,
who have learned about their place in the natural world and ways to reduce
their own impact on the planet. Public access around the Farm has been
improved. The gardens have been maintained. And heroic efforts have been
made by volunteers to improve the historic buildings but – without
the substantial resources needed for such large-scale restoration –
this core part of the vision has so far been beyond our reach.
The Trust wants to develop an exceptional Environmental Centre to benefit
the whole community, with facilities and activities that are open and
accessible to people of all ages, abilities and circumstances. A place
to enjoy, to learn, and to inspire. A place for people just to visit or
to come and stay and enjoy a residential course. A place to demonstrate
everything the Trust is trying to achieve. This is the most ambitious
project ever undertaken by the Trust and it will create an invaluable
legacy for generations to come.
At last, after many years of effort, we are close to completing the vision.
In 2003 the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded the Trust an initial grant
to complete the detailed planning of a scheme to restore the buildings
and historic landscape of the Farm. This phase was completed successfully
last year and we have now been awarded a grant of £2.5 million,
with a further £1 million from other funders.
However, in order to secure this funding and realise our vision we now need to secure the remainder of the match-funding for the completion of this project – a total of £500,000.
The Trust is developing a major campaign to secure this match-funding. Other key sources of public and charitable grant and private-sector funding are being approached, there will be a general appeal to the public and organisations throughout Avon, and we need to ask our members also to give us maximum support to make this a reality.
Please support this project as generously as you possibly can
– please download and print off
this form (PDF format)
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Steve Grainger
CHIEF EXECUTIVE