Peterborough’s Sacrewell Farm gets £50,000 Lottery funding to offset lockdown losses

The enforced closure meant the Thornhaugh farm was unable to receive visitors or carry out vital fundraising activities which brings in the money to pay for care of livestock and the venue’s upkeep.

The farm had to close for about 15 weeks before being given the green light to re-open on July 4.

Now the farm, which is run as a charity by the William Scott Abbott Trust, has received £50,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to be invested in the venue and its many animals.

General Manager, Lee Scowen said: “Thanks to the National Lottery and its players we can now continue our work here at Sacrewell Farm.”

Founded 56 years ago, the farm seeks to help people of all ages understand food production from farm to fork and provide insights into the science, heritage and practical art of the agricultural sector.

Mr Scowen said: “In previous years we’ve hosted Farm Camp, Young Farmer’s Apprentice sessions, protected rare breeds and had introduced generations of families to food and farming.

“We also have a resident blacksmith and craft workshops.

“We’re grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund in supporting us at this crucial time – it’s a lifeline to us and others who are passionate about sustaining heritage for the benefit of all.”

The funding was awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund with £50 million available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing.

“All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis.”