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 eco-friendly centre to provide cutting edge facilities and promote a better understanding of biodiversity and sustainable development, engaging with both the business community and the general public.

A historic-landscape survey of Folly Farm in 1992 revealed that the site was once a medieval deer park, and there are notable remnants of a 1780s ferme ornée, with much planting surviving from the 1820s.

A ferme ornée was a farm made for enjoyment as part of a large estate - in this case, Sutton Court. It would possess features such as paths laid along field boundaries, watercourses with cascades and pools and ornamental gullies. Elements of the ferme ornée are still visible today, and many of the features have now been restored.

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 itself.

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.

What facilities can be found at Folly Farm?

  • Conference Centre and meeting rooms
  • Meeting facilities
  • Wedding and events venue
  • Business, wedding and holiday accommodation
  • Teaching, seminar, team-building and training rooms
  • Workshops

There are numerous eco-features and the Folly Farm Centre is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for disabled and special needs groups. Contact the centre for full access information.

So what can people do at the Folly Farm Centre?

  • A place for business – with conference facilities and on-site accommodation, together with opportunities for team-building sessions on the nature reserve.
  • A place for learning - educational programs have been designed for children of all ages and abilities to learn about science, sustainability, history, geography, art and food & farming.
  • A place for inspiration - with exciting adult courses and workshops from 1 to 3 days, including wildlife art, green woodwork, photography and film. Or why not simply visit the stunning nature reserve or come and enjoy a holiday surrounded by the wonders of the natural world?

The Nature Reserve is open to everyone at all times, to enjoy, explore and discover