Acton Scott Historic Working Farm was the vision of Thomas Acton, who established the museum to demonstrate historic farming techniques. It has been operated by Shropshire Council as tenants of the Acton Scott Estate since the 1970s.

Over the past four decades Acton Scott Historic Working Farm has welcomed thousands of visitors from across Shropshire and further afield, and in more recent years gained international fame on television. Now is the time to explore a new future for the farm, a future that builds on its remarkable agricultural heritage and evolves to ensure that it is relevant and engaging to the next generation.

With the broadcast of the BBC's ‘Victorian Farm’ television programme numbers peaked in 2009 at about 45,000. After an initial decline visitor numbers plateaued at about 20,000 per year.  Since then, the farm has operated with a deficit of £168k per annum, which has been subsidised by Shropshire Council.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is highly regarded by both Shropshire residents and visitors. We genuinely welcome the thoughts and suggestions of both the local community and supporters of the farm from across the county.

Purpose of this survey

Regrettably, subsidising the site is no longer considered a financially sustainable option for Shropshire Council, particularly given the need for us to prioritise statutory services (a statutory service is one we're required to deliver in national legislation such as social care) and publicly-owned venues. This may result in Shropshire Council no longer running Acton Scott Historic Farm.

We're working with the Acton Scott Estate to find an alternative operating model that provides a sustainable future for the farm.

We'll act as facilitator in collating community feedback and proposals. These will be passed on to the Acton Scott Estate to consider as possible alternative uses for the site. To have your say, click on the 'How to get involved' tab on this page.

Documents

• Acton Scott - information for stakeholders.pdf
• Acton Scott community engagement.pdf
• Acton Scott leaflet 2019.pdf

We launched a public engagement exercise in February 2022 which included a survey, direct responses and holding discussions with the Friends of Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, the local community and the education and heritage skills sectors. 

There were 1,122 responses to the survey and 160 direct responses were received, some of which acknowledged that the survey had been completed by the sender. 

People who responded said they visit the farm to see something beautiful or interesting, learn something new, see agricultural heritage, enjoy a day with family and friends, see and feed the animals, for education and courses and to enjoy the café. 

Some people were very happy with their visits and were unable to suggest improvements, but others suggested the operators should: 

• Expand the range of activities, workshops, courses and events
• Develop the café and shop
• Increase investment in the maintenance of the site and its facilities
• Improve transport and access
• Improve marketing and promotion of the farm
• Work with more schools and colleges

Participants felt that due to the unique way that the land has been farmed, in the future more could be done on the site to talk about sustainable farming, food production and climate change. 

Take a look at the full report.

We're now compiling a cabinet report about the future of the farm, informed by the engagement programme, along with financial and legal considerations regarding the terms of lease and future operations. 

The report will be presented to cabinet members no later than 7 September 2022. 

You can also respond to this consultation in writing:

• Email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
• Post: Feedback and Insight Team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shropshire SY2 6ND

If you'd like the survey questions in an alternative format, please email TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk and tell us of any support you need to allow you to respond.