Founded in 1978, Calvert Trust is the inspiration of John
Fryer-Spedding, whose vision was to enable people with disabilities
to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside.
Harold McMillan’s intention in 1951 was that the National Parks
would be “for all people for all time.” However, John realised this
was not quite true; a lack of accessible facilities restricted
people with disabilities from truly enjoying our beautiful
countryside and benefiting from outdoor activity.
John Fryer-Spedding, together with Elinor, Viscountess Rochdale
and a group of other likeminded people, formed a Trust. The
Fryer-Spedding family donated two farmsteads, Old Windebrowe and
Little Crosthwaite, to the Trust and in 1978 the Little Crosthwaite
Adventure Centre was formally opened in Keswick (now called Lake
District Calvert Trust).
In 1984 a second centre, Calvert Trust Kielder, was opened in
Northumberland. Now with two centres in the North of England, there
was still scope for development so that people from the South of
England didn’t have to travel such a distance to enjoy accessible
activities – and Calvert Trust Exmoor was born.
After extensive renovation, the centre opened in 1996, offering
people in the Southwest with disabilities, and their friends and
families, the chance to achieve their potential through the
challenge of outdoor adventure – all on one site. The centre is
built around a Victorian farmstead located on the edge of
Wistlandpound Reservoir.