Living archaeology venue in South Downs launches major campaign
February 4, 2021
The team at Butser Ancient farm, near Petersfield in Hampshire, have launched a crowd-funding campaign to help secure the future of the site.
They are currently looking for 100 ambassadors to fund the creation of an online membership platform to share and support their work, bringing the special atmosphere of this unique heritage site to an online audience and raising vital funds for their ongoing work.
Maureen Page, Director of the Farm, said: “We normally welcome thousands of education groups and visitors each year to explore the ancient past and are hoping to be able to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year.
“But, like many small independent organisations and heritage sites, the farm has been very hard hit through the coronavirus pandemic, with an 80 per cent drop in income over the past year.
“It’s a really important cultural heritage venue in the National Park.
“The farm showcases a timeline of ancient homes from the Stone Age to Saxon periods and, for many, is a haven of peace and an escape from the modern world. The site is also a pioneering location for the discipline of experimental archaeology – understanding the ways things were done in the past through re-construction today – and the Butser team regularly work with many archaeologists and academics to bring the past to life.”
The online platform will feature professionally shot video content, giving a behind-the-scenes insight into the many projects and ancient skills practiced at Butser. Supporters will pay a small monthly donation to access the online platform and, in so doing, will also contribute to the survival of the heritage site.
The Crowdfunding campaign runs to 18 February, and all money raised will help fund the development of the platform in order to be launched in the spring.
To find out more details of what is planned, and how you can help make it a reality, please head to: www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/100-ambassadors