Who We Are

Our Mission

WSE Heritage CIC is a Community Interest Company registered on Companies House, formed to protect one of Gloucestershire's most significant and threatened heritage sites.

The Problem

200 Years of Access — Gone Overnight

For over two centuries, the community of Weston-sub-Edge and many residents of the wider Gloucestershire and Worcestershire area had free access to the heritage site, its surrounding moats and historic fish ponds — whilst under private ownership.

This changed dramatically in 2023 when the land was acquired by a hostile developer, who subsequently restricted access to the established footpath rights of way. What had been a cherished part of community life was suddenly, and unjustly, closed off.

WSE Heritage CIC was formed in direct response — to ensure this priceless piece of England's heritage is purchased for the community and protected forever.

The Norman church and moat at Weston-sub-Edge
Our Objectives

Five Core Objectives

As set out in our Community Interest Statement filed with Companies House.

1

Purchase the Heritage Site

The primary objective of WSE Heritage CIC is to purchase the heritage site adjacent to Weston-sub-Edge parish church and to establish a restoration fund for the site — securing it permanently for the community.

2

Manage Archaeological Works

WSE Heritage CIC will manage any archaeological works on the site and restoration thereof — ensuring that the rich history buried within the moat and manor foundations is professionally uncovered and shared.

3

National Heritage Office Partnership

WSE Heritage CIC will work as the primary stakeholder with the National Heritage Office — providing the organisational framework needed to access donor funding that cannot currently be achieved at parish council level.

4

Restore the Flooded Moat

We will investigate funding to re-establish the flooded moat system — a Scheduled Ancient Monument — and explore the potential rebuilding of the original Giffard Manor, returning the site to something approaching its medieval glory.

5

Purchase Surrounding Land

WSE Heritage CIC will look to purchase surrounding land parcels for the recreational benefit of the parish of Weston-sub-Edge — including the potential replanting of historic walnut trees that once graced the estate.

Community Benefits

The existing owner has agreed terms for the land to become part of the CIC. Once secured, the community will benefit from:

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Public access to walk dogs across the full 6-hectare heritage site

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Full public access to archaeological findings from professional dig

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Drastic improvement to the heart of the village surrounding the Norman church

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Annual fetes and commemorative events as occurred in the last century

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A route to donor funding for a historic site that cannot be achieved at parish level

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