'Next Steps' is programme of capital works and activities designed to improve the experience and accessibility for all visitors and volunteers and, in the longer term, help us to build a deeper connection with the wider community.

Recent improvements include: 

• a new path across the field, reducing the distance from our main car park to the entrance and enabling visitors to take in the wonderful views of the Manor House
• better surfaces across the site, improving access to all areas
• a re-landscaped disabled car park and new toilet block
• a refurbishment of the toilets in the farmyard for added comfort and hygiene
• redecoration and new heating in the Manor House plus a disabled ramp, allowing full wheelchair access to the Ground Floor for the first time.

1000 Years Plus project 

The stories of the past 1,000 years of Cogges’ history are now better told through new information points and an introductory film in the old stables to encourage visitors to explore Cogges’ rural past. The Manor House reopened in August 2021 with new interactive displays, and the first floor is now open to all visitors for the first time in many years.

The new roof to the Wheat and Barley Barns will help to secure their future for generations to come. This will allow a greater number of school groups to enjoy Cogges. Our aspiration over the next 3 years is to grow pupil visits to 5,000 per year alongside an ambitious programme of learning and cultural events for adults.

Space for volunteers 

Volunteers have completed a fabulous new volunteer room to provide accessible facilities at the centre of the site and support an increase in the number and diversity of volunteers. Alongside this, outreach programmes are engaging new audiences researching the history of the site, acquiring new skills in traditional crafts and gardening as well as the establishment of support groups tackling loneliness or mental health issues. Over the next 3 years, we're also providing short-term traineeship positions for local young people to learn land management skills as a stepping stone into education or employment.

None of this would have been possible without a grant of £901,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the generous support of the donors listed below and those who wish to remain anonymous. 

Thanks to

Witney Educational Foundation, Radcliffe Trust, Ninevah Trust, West Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Cogges Volunteers Craft Team, Rachel Sharman Charitable Trust, PF Charitable Trust