The primary aim of the Holfords of Westonbirt Trust is to enable the long term conservation of all that Robert Stayner Holford and his son George Lindsay Holford created at Westonbirt. The Trust also aims to make Westonbirt 
more accessible, through a variety of media, to a wider audience than has been possible previously.

The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust was established in 2006 by Lady Bland, strongly supported by the Governors of  Westonbirt School and the Director and Trustees of Westonbirt Arboretum.

Lady Bland was at Westonbirt School in the 1950's, and a school governor for over 35 years.  Her schooldays at Westonbirt gave her a lifetime's appreciation of architecture and landscape and she has been involved in a number of successful  restoration projects, notably the Theatre Royal in Winchester.

For 80 years, the school has maintained Westonbirt well, but concern for the decorative elements of the house and structural elements of the garden - damaged by natural wear and tear over the years and in need of very costly restoration - has led to the establishment of the Trust and the involvement of an eminent group of Patrons and Trustees.

The Trust, with the support of English Heritage, has commissioned Nicholas Pearson Associates to produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP). 
This will provide the basis for developing proposals for the future conservation of the historic core of the Westonbirt estate.  This includes the  main house, the Pleasure Grounds around it, the parkland and the adjacent Westonbirt Arboretum now managed by the Forestry Commission.  The CMP will also provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to issues, priorities and standards to be considered when working with the Grade 1 listed house and landscape.

The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust was established in

2006 by Lady Bland, strongly suported by the Governors

of Westonbirt school and the Director and Trustees of Westonbirt Arboretum. 

Financial support for the Conservation work will be sought
from majour foundations and grant bodies and from private donations.

The Trust is independant of both Westonbirt School and Westonbirt Arboretum but will work in partnership with both.

 

Presidents, Patrons, Trustees and Consultants