Heritage & History
Explore the evolution of Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust. Our journey began in 1975, rooted in a deep commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Cleeve Prior and its surroundings. Here, you'll find a detailed timeline highlighting significant milestones and achievements that have shaped our Trust over the decades. Explore the key dates and events that reflect our dedication to conservation, education, and community involvement, and discover how our efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the local landscape and heritage.
2019
Educational Visits Started
Bretforton Village School was the first group to visit us, and many more have followed since then.
2017
Wee Project Completed
A group of highly skilled volunteers constructed and completed a new restroom facility for everyone to use when they visit The Trust.
2010
Top Wood Transfer
Don and Linda Warren transferred ownership of Top Wood to Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust and retired to the beautiful Isle of Wight.
2008
Sustainable Services Project Complete
A new edition of the Greenlink booklet was completed. In addition, the barn was finished with tool racks and a workbench.
2006
Plot 8 purchased
Funding for the purchase of plot 8 was obtained through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund after the Noble Chafer beetle was discovered, and the site was designated as a SSSI.
2004
Sustainable Services Project
£25,000 was raised over 2 years for solar panels, ground-source heating, a wood burner, and a
composting toilet.
2003
Field Barn purchased
The contract for the purchase of Field Barn was signed on the 11th of March.
2002
More land acquired
Booby’s Close (now the Sanctuary) and Quarry Ground (now the Forest School) were acquired by CPHT.
2001
More restoration in the barn
In the barn, the South Range was re-roofed, the front breathing walls were completed, and the well was re-instated.
2000
Greenlink walk launched
The Greenlink walk was launched on May 1st. 135 people participated in the walk, and the village school completed it in July. Additionally, cider apple trees were planted.
1999
25-year lease of Field
Barn agreed
A 25-year lease of Field Barn was agreed at £500 per year, with an option to purchase the barn for £15,000. Additionally, 95 apple trees were planted in the Community Orchard. We also secured a £16,000 grant from the Local Heritage Initiative for restoring the South Range (now the meeting room, office, and kitchen), with the project completed within 12 months.
1998
A very chaotic year...
In January, we received a £1,550 grant for the restoration of the East Range roof. On March 24th, scaffolding was erected, and by March 30th, the roof tiles had arrived. Then the rain started, cutting off Evesham and necessitating helicopter rescues for people from the Salford Priors caravan park. Despite these challenges, the roof was finally completed on June 20th.
In November, we completed the purchase of
Millennium Wood in partnership with the Woodland Trust, and a Robin flagstone was erected at the
entrance to Field Barn.
1997
Lots of milestones for CPHT
In January, Plots 7 and 9 were put up for auction and secured by Brian Taylor in a sealed bid, which the Trust repaid once funds were raised. On March 20th, Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust was formed with the intention of becoming a charity; the first trustees were Don and Lin Warren, Brian Taylor, Dr. Peter Pollitt, and Bob Woodrooffe. On July 16th, the Trust became a registered charity.
​
In August, Wychavon awarded a Sustainability Grant of £3,058 for the walled wildlife garden project, and the Esme Fairbairn Trust promised £4,000 towards the Community Orchard fund. On October 26th, the first official volunteer working day took place, marking the beginning of many more.
​
In November, the Wychavon Capital Grants Committee awarded £29,000 to the Trust for the Community Orchard project.
1996
Achieving Goals Without Modern Tools
It was a year of fundraising, all done by phone or by filling in forms, as there was no computer or printer available then. The Parish Council agreed to pay the barn's rent. By the end of the year, we had secured a total of £8,500 from various sources.
1995
Negotiations and Fundraising Efforts for Orchard Plots
Negotiations began with the owners to buy the remaining orchards, Plots 10 and 11. Don and Lin took on the tenancy of Field Barn, and the County Council agreed to re-roof the barn and install double doors. When news broke that Plots 7 and 9 were to be auctioned, major fundraising efforts started, though it took another two years to secure the funds.
1993-1994
From Recycling Centre to Community Partnership
The Warrens had been operating a Recyclit Centre for eight years when Wychavon Council approached them for a partnership. As the last two market gardeners renting space in the barns and yard retired, the site became vulnerable to vandalism. In response, Don and Lin took proactive measures, unofficially tidying up the area and using their own funds to hire a local builder for urgent repairs.
1985
Plots 7-12 purchased
Don and Lin Warren purchased Plot 12, an old orchard. Motivated by their commitment to conservation, they swiftly also purchased Plots 7-11. Their goal was to prevent these plots from being lost to development or converted into arable land, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
1975
When it all began...
Don and Lin Warren buy Plots 13 and 14 then move in to live a simple life off the land.
2019
Educational Visits Started
Bretforton Village School was the first group to visit us, and many more have followed since then.
2017
Wee Project Completed
A group of highly skilled volunteers constructed and completed a new restroom facility for everyone to use when they visit The Trust.
2010
Top Wood Transfer
Don and Linda Warren transferred ownership of Top Wood to Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust and retired to the beautiful Isle of Wight.
2008
Sustainable Services Project Complete
A new edition of the Greenlink booklet was completed. In addition, the barn was finished with tool racks and a workbench.
2006
Plot 8 purchased
Funding for the purchase of plot 8 was obtained through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund after the Noble Chafer beetle was discovered, and the site was designated as a SSSI.
2004
Sustainable Services Project
£25,000 was raised over 2 years for solar panels, ground-source heating, a wood burner, and a
composting toilet.
2003
Field Barn purchased
The contract for the purchase of Field Barn was signed on the 11th of March.
2002
More land acquired
Booby’s Close (now the Sanctuary) and Quarry Ground (now the Forest School) were acquired by CPHT.
2001
More restoration in the barn
In the barn, the South Range was re-roofed, the front breathing walls were completed, and the well was re-instated.
2000
Greenlink walk launched
The Greenlink walk was launched on May 1st. 135 people participated in the walk, and the village school completed it in July. Additionally, cider apple trees were planted.
1999
25-year lease of Field
Barn agreed
A 25-year lease of Field Barn was agreed at £500 per year, with an option to purchase the barn for £15,000. Additionally, 95 apple trees were planted in the Community Orchard. We also secured a £16,000 grant from the Local Heritage Initiative for restoring the South Range (now the meeting room, office, and kitchen), with the project completed within 12 months.
1998
A very chaotic year...
In January, we received a £1,550 grant for the restoration of the East Range roof. On March 24th, scaffolding was erected, and by March 30th, the roof tiles had arrived. Then the rain started, cutting off Evesham and necessitating helicopter rescues for people from the Salford Priors caravan park. Despite these challenges, the roof was finally completed on June 20th.
In November, we completed the purchase of
Millennium Wood in partnership with the Woodland Trust, and a Robin flagstone was erected at the
entrance to Field Barn.
1997
Lots of milestones for CPHT
In January, Plots 7 and 9 were put up for auction and secured by Brian Taylor in a sealed bid, which the Trust repaid once funds were raised. On March 20th, Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust was formed with the intention of becoming a charity; the first trustees were Don and Lin Warren, Brian Taylor, Dr. Peter Pollitt, and Bob Woodrooffe. On July 16th, the Trust became a registered charity.
​
In August, Wychavon awarded a Sustainability Grant of £3,058 for the walled wildlife garden project, and the Esme Fairbairn Trust promised £4,000 towards the Community Orchard fund. On October 26th, the first official volunteer working day took place, marking the beginning of many more.
​
In November, the Wychavon Capital Grants Committee awarded £29,000 to the Trust for the Community Orchard project.
1996
Achieving Goals Without Modern Tools
It was a year of fundraising, all done by phone or by filling in forms, as there was no computer or printer available then. The Parish Council agreed to pay the barn's rent. By the end of the year, we had secured a total of £8,500 from various sources.
1995
Negotiations and Fundraising Efforts for Orchard Plots
Negotiations began with the owners to buy the remaining orchards, Plots 10 and 11. Don and Lin took on the tenancy of Field Barn, and the County Council agreed to re-roof the barn and install double doors. When news broke that Plots 7 and 9 were to be auctioned, major fundraising efforts started, though it took another two years to secure the funds.
1993-1994
From Recycling Centre to Community Partnership
The Warrens had been operating a Recyclit Centre for eight years when Wychavon Council approached them for a partnership. As the last two market gardeners renting space in the barns and yard retired, the site became vulnerable to vandalism. In response, Don and Lin took proactive measures, unofficially tidying up the area and using their own funds to hire a local builder for urgent repairs.
1985
Plots 7-12 purchased
Don and Lin Warren purchased Plot 12, an old orchard. Motivated by their commitment to conservation, they swiftly also purchased Plots 7-11. Their goal was to prevent these plots from being lost to development or converted into arable land, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
1975
When it all began...
Don and Lin Warren buy Plots 13 and 14 then move in to live a simple life off the land.
2019
Educational Visits Started
Bretforton Village School was the first group to visit us, and many more have followed since then.
2017
Wee Project Completed
A group of highly skilled volunteers constructed and completed a new restroom facility for everyone to use when they visit The Trust.
2010
Top Wood Transfer
Don and Linda Warren transferred ownership of Top Wood to Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust and retired to the beautiful Isle of Wight.
2008
Field Barn completion
A new edition of the Greenlink booklet was completed. In addition, the barn was finished with tool racks and a workbench.
2006
Plot 8 purchased
Funding for the purchase of plot 8 was obtained through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund after the Noble Chafer beetle was discovered, and the site was designated as a SSSI.
2004
Sustainable Services Project
£25,000 was raised over 2 years for solar panels, ground-source heating, a wood burner, and a
composting toilet.
2003
Field Barn purchased
The contract for the purchase of Field Barn was signed on the 11th of March.
2002
More land acquired
Booby’s Close (now the Sanctuary) and Quarry Ground (now the Forest School) were acquired by CPHT.
2001
More restoration in the barn
In the barn, the South Range was re-roofed, the front breathing walls were completed, and the well was re-instated.
2000
Greenlink walk launched
The Greenlink walk was launched on May 1st. 135 people participated in the walk, and the village school completed it in July. Additionally, cider apple trees were planted.
1999
25-year lease of Field
Barn agreed
A 25-year lease of Field Barn was agreed at £500 per year, with an option to purchase the barn for £15,000. Additionally, 95 apple trees were planted in the Community Orchard. We also secured a £16,000 grant from the Local Heritage Initiative for restoring the South Range (now the meeting room, office, and kitchen), with the project completed within 12 months.
1998
A very chaotic year...
In January, we received a £1,550 grant for the restoration of the East Range roof. On March 24th, scaffolding was erected, and by March 30th, the roof tiles had arrived. Then the rain started, cutting off Evesham and necessitating helicopter rescues for people from the Salford Priors caravan park. Despite these challenges, the roof was finally completed on June 20th.
In November, we completed the purchase of
Millennium Wood in partnership with the Woodland Trust, and a Robin flagstone was erected at the
entrance to Field Barn.
1997
Lots of milestones for CPHT
In January, Plots 7 and 9 were put up for auction and secured by Brian Taylor in a sealed bid, which the Trust repaid once funds were raised. On March 20th, Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust was formed with the intention of becoming a charity; the first trustees were Don and Lin Warren, Brian Taylor, Dr. Peter Pollitt, and Bob Woodrooffe. On July 16th, the Trust became a registered charity.
​
In August, Wychavon awarded a Sustainability Grant of £3,058 for the walled wildlife garden project, and the Esme Fairbairn Trust promised £4,000 towards the Community Orchard fund. On October 26th, the first official volunteer working day took place, marking the beginning of many more.
​
In November, the Wychavon Capital Grants Committee awarded £29,000 to the Trust for the Community Orchard project.
1996
Achieving Goals Without Modern Tools
It was a year of fundraising, all done by phone or by filling in forms, as there was no computer or printer available then. The Parish Council agreed to pay the barn's rent. By the end of the year, we had secured a total of £8,500 from various sources.
1995
Negotiations and Fundraising Efforts for Orchard Plots
Negotiations began with the owners to buy the remaining orchards, Plots 10 and 11. Don and Lin took on the tenancy of Field Barn, and the County Council agreed to re-roof the barn and install double doors. When news broke that Plots 7 and 9 were to be auctioned, major fundraising efforts started, though it took another two years to secure the funds.
1993-1994
From Recycling Centre to Community Partnership
The Warrens had been operating a Recyclit Centre for eight years when Wychavon Council approached them for a partnership. As the last two market gardeners renting space in the barns and yard retired, the site became vulnerable to vandalism. In response, Don and Lin took proactive measures, unofficially tidying up the area and using their own funds to hire a local builder for urgent repairs.
1985
Plots 7-12 purchased
Don and Lin Warren purchased Plot 12, an old orchard. Motivated by their commitment to conservation, they swiftly also purchased Plots 7-11. Their goal was to prevent these plots from being lost to development or converted into arable land, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
1975
When it all began...
Don and Lin Warren buy Plots 13 and 14 then move in to live a simple life off the land.