A historic tourist attraction in Clanfield has received funding for a new building and to expand the experiences it offers.

Butser Ancient Farm received £250,000 from East Hampshire District Council’s Grow Up! programme. 

The scheme aims to reconnect people with the county’s rural history and heritage, foster community engagement, provide work and volunteering opportunities and teach new skills and revive old ones. 

Simon Jay, director of Butser Ancient Farm, said: “As a centre for research into the ancient past, sustainable crafts, and traditional skills, this funding will help us reach new audiences and grow what we offer to the community. 

“Our new building will be a hub for our amazing team and volunteers—providing essential facilities, storage and workshop spaces for exciting projects and training.  

“Plus, with more space freed in our historic areas, we’ll be able to expand what we offer to visitors and dive into exciting new research and ancient reconstruction builds.

“We’ll also be improving accessibility with new benches across the site and working with groups from the local community to bring the past to life for new audiences.”

The new building is already under construction and will offer a spacious open-plan office and storage area on the top floor. The lower level will feature a fully-equipped volunteer facilities room, along with several designated workshop spaces for activities such as woodworking, gardening tools, and other site-related tasks.

It will also enhance the experience for volunteers with a dedicated welfare space which will make a big difference in their comfort and impact.