Cogges Heritage Trust, which runs Cogges Manor Farm, has been awarded £61,100 by The National Lottery Heritage Emergency Fund.

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The Witney farm was forced to close to guests during lockdown, but has welcomed over 16,000 visitors since it reopened its outside areas in June.

Director Colin Shone said: “Thanks to the National Lottery and its players, along with the support of our volunteers and season ticket holders who kept coming this summer, we can now ensure Cogges will not only survive but continue to thrive.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors to enjoy this special place, which means so much to so many people.

“We’re incredibly grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting us at this crucial time, as the financial impact on maintaining the 20 acre site, heritage buildings and looking after the animals, with many staff on furlough, has been challenging during lockdown.

“We can now look ahead with renewed confidence. Watch this space for some special socially-distanced events coming in the autumn, and we’ll be celebrating the trust’s 10th anniversary in 2021.”

Fifty million pounds from the heritage emergency fund has been made available to provide important financial help for those most in need across the heritage sector.

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefitting our personal wellbeing.

“All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as Cogges during this uncertain time.”