Friends of the Dovecote
The Clifton Village Dovecote is a remarkable historic building and an important landmark on the Green at the entrance to Clifton Village.
Today, however, the Dovecote is gradually falling into disrepair. The roof urgently requires attention, along with the parapet coping stones, rendering and pointing.
This landmark has stood at the entrance to Clifton Village for generations. With your support, it can continue to do so for many more.
Help Us Fund the Feasibility Study
We need to raise £9,000 to commission a professional heritage feasibility study — the essential first step toward unlocking major restoration funding.
Current situation
Nottingham City Council holds a long lease on the building from the Clifton family and is responsible for its upkeep. An estimated repair cost of £65,000 was identified in 2015 - a figure that will have increased significantly. In September 2025, a formal written question to the Council confirmed that no funding is available, nor planned, for the Dovecote’s restoration.
The Clifton Village Residents Association is determined to find a solution. We are exploring external funding options, including applications to heritage and charitable bodies such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund. However, major funders require an up-to-date feasibility study conducted by qualified heritage professionals. This study will assess repair options and explore how the Dovecote can serve the community - including local schools, the University, residents and visitors.
Our campaign
There is no intention for the Residents Association to take ownership of the building; responsibility remains with the Council. Our goal is to work in partnership to secure external funding dedicated specifically to the Dovecote.
Our vision is to preserve and revitalise the building so it can:
- Celebrate and interpret local architectural heritage
- Provide educational resources and displays
- Inspire learning for schools and young people
- Operate sustainably with minimal environmental impact
- Engage the local community in its care
- Form part of a wider Heritage Trail for visitors
Our vision - the Wollaton Dovecote
Built around 1565 this Elizabethan dovecote is one of the oldest buildings in the village and pre-dates the completion of Wollaton Hall. After the sale in 1925 of Wollaton Hall and Park, and the wider estate, it began to fall into disrepair. In 1951 the building was described as "derelict" and by the 1970s the dovecote was in very real danger of being demolished.
Fortunately, a local campaign ensured its survival. Restoration of the building was undertaken and the dovecote was officially opened on Saturday 18 July 1987.
The Wollaton Dovecote is a Grade II listed building, owned by Nottingham City Council (and leased by the Wollaton Historical & Conservation Society). It now houses the Wollaton Village Dovecote Museum . It is open on selected dates in summer months, with volunteers from WHaCS putting on a variety of exhibitions.
Planned fundraising events
Friends of the Dovecote have several fundraising events planned for 2026
- Spring: March 21st. A village social night, quiz and bangers and mash. Funds for the Dovecote
- Early Summer: May 20th A talk in the church by local and nationally renowned sculptor. Funds raised for St Mary's Church and Dovecote
- Autumn: October 10th Spanish themed food and wine tasting night. Funds raised for Dovecote
Please support these events ...
with your help, we can protect this historic landmark for future generations.
© Clifton Village Residents Association 2026
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