About Folly Farm
A place to enjoy, to learn and to be inspired.
Avon Wildlife Trust has owned and managed the 250 acre nature-reserve since 1986. The Trust has now successfully restored the unspoiled 18th century buildings, to create a regional environment centre to promote a better understanding of biodiversity and sustainable development.
Ownership of the buildings and nature reserve remain with Avon Wildlife Trust, but Folly Farm Centre Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary company, has been established to run and develop the Folly Farm Centre activities.
The residential centre has bedroom space for up to 35 visitors in total and facilities in the restored farm buildings include:
- Teaching and training rooms
- Interpretation Centre
- Multi-use reception space
- Conference Centre
- Workshops
- Farmhouse accommodation for school and other groups
- Self-contained twin-bedded accommodation
What can people do at the Folly Farm Centre?
- A place for inspiration - with exciting adult courses and workshops from 1 to 3 days, including wildlife art, green woodwork, photography and film.
- A place for learning - educational programmes have been designed for children of all ages and abilities to learn about science, sustainability, history, geography, art and food & farming.
- A place for business – with conference facilities and on-site accommodation, together with opportunities for team-building sessions on the nature reserve
The Folly Farm Centre is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for disabled and special needs groups.
How was the restoration of Folly Farm and its historic landscape funded?
- The total cost of the restoration project was approx. £4.5m.
- Major funding was provided by: the Heritage Lottery Fund £2.5m, Biffaward £505K and South West Regional Development Agency £500K.
- A major fundraising drive by the Trust resulted in raising several hundred thousand pounds from charitable trusts, membership appeals, companies and individuals.