the Restoration

a place to enjoy, to learn and to be inspired

The historic 18th century farm buildings required careful and sensitive restoration to safeguard them for the future. Architectural conservation and wildlife conservation go hand in hand in many of the buildings where swallows or bats have moved in. Architects and builders were selected for their expertise in conservation work.

The main construction contract began in October 2006 and will be completed in early 2008, with an official opening in May.

Sustainable Development
Traditional and sustainable construction techniques have been rigorously followed. Natural local stone has been reused with lime mortar. Where new materials were introduced, they were carefully selected to minimise environmental impact.

The new volunteer workbase and plant room buildings are being constructed as eco- buildings. They feature structural soil walls and sedum covered roofs to blend into the landscape and provide high insulation values. The Trust has also produced a sustainable development framework to inform the management principles and practice, once the Centre becomes operational.

Renewable Energy
Demonstrating the viability of renewable energy is a key aspect of the project. The package of renewables will include heating by bio mass boiler and solar panels, grey water harvesting and a reed bed foul water system. A graduate team from Rolls Royce is supporting the project in the design and installation of various elements.

The Historic Landscape
Restoration of the landscape is being undertaken to recreate the 18th century ferme ornée landscape originally designed by Sir Henry Strachey. Work will involve recreating carriage drives, footpaths and view points, together with extensive scrub clearance and specimen tree replanting. Striking features of the landscape are the deep streams from the Mendip escarpment and cascades and waterfalls will be reconstructed.

The ferme ornée
The history of Folly Farm is bound up with changing perceptions of the English countryside over the centuries - from the medieval deer park to the classical 18th century designs of an Arcadian landscape.

At this time Sir Henry Strachey decided to develop the scenic landscape around the farmhouse into a ferme ornee, an ideal farm within an estate, which would combine beauty with usefulness. It was a landscape that could be viewed from Sutton Court, as well as enjoyed from a network of walks and drives at the ferme ornée itself.

Next > find the magic

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, South West Rural Development Agency (SWRDA) and Biffaward
Photos: badgers © Darin Smith