Northamptonshire ACRE gains support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for plans to regenerate Hunsbury Hill Farm

Northamptonshire ACRE has received initial support* from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Hunsbury Hill Farm regeneration project, it was announced today. Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to develop a thriving heritage site by creating a master plan and business plan that ensure long-term success and financial stability, recruiting skilled trustees to guide the project, engaging the community through forums, walks, and workshops, and securing funding to realize the vision. 

Funding of £156240 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Northamptonshire ACRE progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date. 

Hunsbury Hill Farm in Northampton is historically significant due to its rich agricultural heritage and connections to prominent local figures and estates. The farm was developed in the mid-19th century as a model farm by Edward Bouverie, a member of a well-known Northamptonshire family associated with Delapré Abbey. The farm complex, along with two smaller farms in the area, was built by Bouverie, to provide food for his family home, Delapre Abbey. Bouverie was a forward-thinking landowner who utilized Hunsbury Hill Farm to demonstrate modern agricultural techniques, reflecting the Victorian era’s focus on improving farming efficiency and productivity. The farm was part of a broader movement among wealthy estate owners to establish model farms that showcased innovative practices, serving both educational and practical purposes. 

The Hunsbury Hill Farm is the one of the last remaining model farms in the country and without this funding from The Heritage Fund it would remain inaccessible and it could be lost forever. 

The project will start with a detailed review to decide the best way to move forward, including a master plan to shape the development of the site. We'll also create a business plan focused on long-term success and financial stability. To support the project, we will recruit new trustees with the right skills to guide us effectively. 

Community involvement is key to our vision. We'll host events like community forums, heritage walks, and workshops to gather ideas and build support. At the project's end, we'll apply for funding to help make our vision a reality. By combining careful planning, community input, and strategic funding, we will create a thriving heritage site that everyone can enjoy. 

Nicola Toms from Northamptonshire ACRE said: “We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we can now preserve this important community asset for generations to come.” 

Notes to editors  

About Northamptonshire ACRE 

Northamptonshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is a leading charity dedicated to supporting rural communities across the county. We provide vital services, advice, and resources to help improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. As custodians of the historic Hunsbury Hill Farm, we are committed to preserving this unique Victorian model farm and its heritage. Our stewardship of the farm not only safeguards an important piece of Northamptonshire's history but also allows us to use the site as a community hub, hosting events, training sessions, and activities that promote rural development and community engagement. Through our work at Hunsbury Hill Farm, we aim to celebrate the county’s rich agricultural heritage while empowering local rural communities to thrive. 

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund  

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.  

Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.  

The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.  

The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.   

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund  www.heritagefund.org.uk  

Further information 

Further information 

For further information, images and interviews please contact Jennifer Hedges at Northamptonshire ACRE on 01604 765888 and [email protected]