Clare and Michael Morpurgo established FFCC in 1974 and the founding farm, Nethercott House in Devon, opened in 1976, held by FFCC on a long peppercorn lease. In 2001, the Charity purchased the house outright and began a programme of much-needed refurbishment.
In 1986, FFCC acquired Lower Treginnis in Pembrokeshire on a long lease from the National Trust. After a highly successful fundraising campaign, the buildings were converted and re-structured by FFCC and in May 1989 Lower Treginnis opened for its first schools. The project won many awards for its sensitive restoration of the original farm buildings to provide a purpose-built, child-oriented space.
In 1993, a further property was secured on a 99 year lease – Wick Court in Gloucestershire. Wick Court is an historic Tudor manor house and needed extensive renovation and conversion for practical use. With the help of a major grant from the Heritage Lottery and an intensive capital fundraising drive, Wick Court opened to children in 1998.
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