There have been many debates over the years about how to make the Shallowford Trust sustainable. How can we effectively increase accommodation and barn space, support more children and maintain staff in what is perceived as an isolated location? As the farm remained Elizabeth Braund’s home, change proved difficult. However, in 2014, a firm of Architects was finally engaged. Sustainability of income balanced against our vision of engaging young people, regardless of background, in the most effective way remained our priority and in 2019 we set to work.
This primarily involved the conversion of the main East Barn into accommodation, and building an Outdoor Education Barn, more lovingly referred to as The Ark, which is now a multi-purpose space in front of a wonderful courtyard. The aim was to achieve expansion whilst retaining a sense of home, and developing activities that nurtured and encouraged young people to be challenged and thrive in an increasingly urban and screen based society. We’re overjoyed with the results, and happy that we have been able to open the farm gates to greater numbers of children and young people than ever before.
