A beautiful nature reserve
Folly Farm is Avon Wildlife Trust’s 250-acre nature reserve located in the beautiful Chew Valley, with views of the Mendip Hills and Chew Valley Lake. Native bluebells adorn the ancient woodlands in spring and rare wildflower meadows burst into colour in summer before autumn colours set in. A number of way-marked footpaths wind their way around the reserve.
Come and explore!
(Please note, to ensure the protection of wildlife, dogs are not permitted on the reserve).
green in every way
Folly Farm Centre is housed in a set of carefully restored farm buildings with eco features including biomass heating and solar energy. Wastewater is broken down naturally by a reed bed sewage system and we harvest rainwater from the rooftops. All paper products are 100% recycled, and all cleaning products are eco-friendly.
our ethos
Folly Farm Centre is a subsidiary of Avon Wildlife Trust. Everything we do is focused on protecting the environment, while inspiring you to enjoy nature. Whether you’re getting married, attending a seminar, on a school trip or just strolling through the woods, you’ll love the gorgeous, natural setting.
Where the money goes
All our profits are ploughed back into Avon Wildlife Trust, to protect wildlife and inspire people about the importance and benefits of nature. Hire Folly Farm for your event and your money will be doing good!
“We chose Folly Farm Centre for our conference first and foremost because of the scenery and location - our team look forward to getting out of the city for the day. Also, we’re in the green sector and love that our money is helping a green venue. We feel like we’re making a difference.”
Conserve and protect
Avon Wildlife Trust is the largest local charity working to protect wildlife in the West of England area. The Trust cares for 36 nature reserves, from ancient bluebell woods to Iron Age forts, nationally important wetlands, and wildflower meadows. They run award-winning educational and community programmes and work with landowners in the wider countryside, to reduce the decline in wildlife.
Local and sustainable
Our kitchen uses local ingredients all year round. We buy eggs, meat, milk and cheese from nearby farms, and vegetables often come straight from our kitchen garden to your table. We buy Fairtrade wherever possible and have a Silver rating from South West Fairtrade. When the farm buildings were restored, 'recycle, reuse and repair' was our mantra and any new materials were assessed for their environmental impact.
Environmental management
We strive to protect the environment at every turn, always pushing to be more green. Folly Farm is audited bi-annually by Green Tourism, and we achieved a Gold rating in December 2015. We are also proud winners of a Silver award for Sustainable Tourism in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism awards.