Almond Valley Heritage Centre is a remarkable testament to the aspirations of a community that values its heritage. Known affectionately as Mill Farm by locals, and universally as Almond Valley, the centre has become a cornerstone for families, a hub for community interaction, and a sanctuary for 1000’s of visitors and staff alike. Spanning 23 acres, and home to the historic Livingston Mill and working waterwheel, a rare breed farm, an abundance of creative and adventure play zones, it is a place where memories are forged, imaginations run wild and where past, present and future converge for the benefit of our community.

As an anchor organisation in the community, in addition to welcoming in visitors to our heritage site we also work in and within our community creating a safe and welcoming space for people to gather, share, learn and together explore a better world. We have recently worked with our local primary school community, to co design a new curriculum-based education programme providing much needed access to children and young people to understand their place in the world and connect with our natural, built and cultural heritage.

The Problem

Whilst our beloved farm animals were kept safe during Storm Eowyn on the 24th January, the sustained high speed winds had a significant impact across our site, particularly on vital infrastructure.

Our much-loved Wings & Whiskers area, usually home to our vital Harvest Mice breeding programme alongside an abundance of animals including love birds, polecat ferrets, rabbits, Guinea pigs, and more, and integral to our education programme, has been severely damaged, losing its entire roof too the storm.

Additionally, our train platform, used by many visitors to access the wider natural habitat and rare breed animals across our site, has also taken the brunt of the storm. The picket fence and edge of the platform have given way rendering it unsafe for our visitors and workforce to use.

We have had no choice but to close both areas, resulting in us having to find temporary accommodation for our animals, until we can complete repairs.

How can you help?:

We are urgently seeking your support to help raise funds to enable us to quickly bring Wings & Whiskers back into use for our education sessions and wider visitors, and to allow our animals to return home. We’re also seeking support to enable us to make safe the Almond Valley Train platform, so more people can experience the many joys that Almond Valley Heritage centre has to offer.

Please support us and share this link with other individuals and corporate organisations who share our passion for celebrating and showcasing our community.