The history of Wetheriggs
The Wetheriggs Pottery Site is a 19th Century industrial Monument. In the 1860s John Schofield and Margaret Thorburn were the original founders of the pottery. The pottery itself was restored in 1994. The steam machinery was restored in 1995 by engineer and steeplejack Fred Dibnah and was featured in his television series.
The original beehive kiln is still very much part of the site and houses many different styles of pottery produced at Wetheriggs over the years.
The original ten acres of grounds and gardens have long been a mecca for wildlife of all kinds with over 40 species of birds, red Squirrels, badgers, foxes, all three species of native newt, frogs, toads and others. Recently sightings have been made of Water Vole.
The Animal Rescue Centre opened in 2006, taking in unwanted farm, pet and exotic animals (everything except domestic cats and dogs). At the begining of 2008 it became an Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre due to its work in the attempted re-creation of the Cumberland Pig, its rare breed poultry Programme and the continuity of the Pottery's work with native newts.
