Chris and Dotty

The Caen Hill Countryside Centre is a farm based project with a focus on bringing rural learning and wellbeing opportunities to young people and the local community. Located west of Devizes near the Caen Hill locks, the project has approximately 40 acres of land. This land is owned by Wiltshire Council who have granted a lease to the centre (subject to planning) and we continue to work to prove a sustainable future for the project.

The project, which is run by Chris Franklin, Project Director, and Helie Franklin, Project Manager, began in 2015 and started by bringing the farm where Chris grew up back to life. Now, with the support of a small team, volunteers and groups, the project continues to improve onsite facilities while working closely with local schools, projects, community groups, educational programs and farmers.

The farm has plenty of history and links. In particular with Chris Franklin, whose father was a tenant farmer here for over 40 years. Chris left working with his Father on his family farm in 1987 to work with Wiltshire Police in the scenes of crime unit, later moving onto Kennet District Council, and Wiltshire Council. He is pleased to have this opportunity to return to farming and bring the family farm a new lease of life.

Ken Franklin father of Chris and leased the farm from 1959

His father Ken Franklin, retired in 2002 and the land was used for part of the year only which led to some areas becoming untidy and overgrown and  buildings not fully used.

Plans continue to develop the old dairy farm and its buildings into an area that is not only accessible for both groups and individuals, but also flexible to house a variety of rescue animals. Our current focus is to complete a cabin for workshops and groups, install improved toilet facilities and develop paddocks for the many rescue animals in our care.

We would like to thank the Devizes Area Board, Wiltshire Council, parish councils, Devizes Town council, schools, voluntary sector and community groups for their support of our project to date.

A great deal of thanks also goes to
Councillor Laura Mayes – Wiltshire Council & Devizes Town Council.

We would also like to acknowledge our Trustees who have assisted us to continue to develop our project and ideas, while our small team continues to implement and expand these ideas. All with the goal of becoming a self sustaining project shared in the community and providing a need within the community.

The project requires enthusiastic volunteers, support and donations. To find out more see our Ways to Support page, or get in touch with one of the team.

Email: helie@caenhillcc.org.uk