About Us
Kinver Edge became a National Trust property in 1917 when the Lee Family bought 200 acres of land from the Webb Family and immediately donated it to the National Trust.
The Kinver Edge Committee was then established in the same year by members of the Lee Family and a group of local people who were dedicated to preserving the long-term future of Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses.
In those early days the National Trust had very little direct input into the day-to-day management of the property and the Committee played a very significant role as custodian of this very special place.
The role of the Committee has changed over time, from initially taking virtually sole responsibility for day-to-day management of the property to a more advisory role to the National Trust today.
In addition to working with the National Trust on strategic planning, the Committee also works to access funding to support projects at the property. The Committee is rightly proud of its independent status and its history of leading many initiatives, not least the restoration of the Rock Houses during the 1990s
OUR PARTNER
The National Trust
In addition to preserving and maintaining the unique Rock Houses which are carved into the sandstone, the National Trust is responsible for the conservation of a variety of important habitats on Kinver Edge.
It has rare lowland heath which has great ecological value, buzzes with insects and has many rare plants and animals.
Woodland Rides (sunny corridors through the woodlands) are maintained to encourage butterflies and other insects.
Pathways are maintained, a stroll along the sandstone ridge offers dramatic views across surrounding counties from the ramparts of an imposing Iron Age Hill Fort. Beyond the views, miles of walking country await, winding through birch and oak woodland and exposed areas of red sandstone geology.
To find out more about the National Trust’s work at Kinver click on the link below
Volunteering
Volunteering can be a rewarding experience; it gives the opportunity to meet like-minded people and share knowledge of this special place with others. The following roles are available at Kinver:-
- Collections and Conservation
- Food and Beverage
- Visitor Welcome
- Countryside Conservation
- Room Guides
- Learning and Events
To find out more about Volunteering at Kinver, click on the link below
a volunteer’s story – Helen
For many years I anticipated becoming a volunteer at the Rock Houses when I retired. However for many reasons I never got round to it.
Unfortunately, COVID came along and by May 2020 I became a widow, and after many years as part of a couple, I had to suddenly learn how to live as a single person.
We all know it was a terrible time for everyone, by September of that year I was in a bad place, despite having a loving family and friends. I realised I had to make an effort, to set myself on a path for the future. Therefore, on the 9th of September 2020 I arrived at the back door of the Rock Houses, to ask about Volunteering. I was immediately introduced to the then manager who spent the time to find out all about me, what I needed, and where I could best be used.
That is why I ended up outside the Cafe, it was a new role, necessary because of the pandemic, and is just right for me.
Volunteering has given me the opportunity to be part of a great team of people, volunteers and staff from all walks of life, and make new friends. Also to play a part within that team by helping visitors to enjoy such a wonderful place, and by doing so contribute to a positive future for the Rock Houses.
I see volunteering as a fifty/fifty partnership, you should take as much from it as you give to it.
That has certainly happened to me, I have regained my confidence, moved house, done many things I never thought I would, expanded my horizons outside of volunteering, and found a way of contributing to the future.
Becoming a volunteer saved me from being a lonely old lady, with nothing to do but remember the past, it helped me to find a future to enjoy.
Project Gallery
The Kinver Edge Committee raises funds and works to access grants to support restoration work and environmental projects at the property. These range in scale from small improvements such as restoring the chimney at the Holy Austin Rock Houses site, to major initiatives such as the establishment of the Centenary Pathway, when in 2017 the Committee raised a six-figure sum, funding the multi-terrain path to improve access for visitors.
Recently the Committee has secured full funding to enable the National Trust to update and reprint the Guidebook for the property, including the printing of new maps. The Committee have also funded the purchase of a pond liner to enable the Gardening Team to establish a wildlife pond adjacent to the tea rooms. This follows on from funding provided in the previous year to install small ponds in discrete areas of Kinver Edge to encourage biodiversity in what is essentially a very dry area. The new visitor reception area and the book shop adjacent to the tea rooms have also received funding.
The Committee has secured financial support for several new major projects, including a Rock House re-interpretation project and a groundbreaking fenceless grazing scheme which went live in the summer of 2024.
Events
Volunteer Recruitment Dates
Visit the Rock Houses and talk to staff and volunteers to find out more about volunteering opportunities at the property.
Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2024 11.00am -1.00pm.