Our Story

At the end of his long life, Richard Oatley established the Richard Oatley Foundation in order to support a number of established charities whose work were close to his heart.

The Foundation supports good causes who have a real impact and benefit in Somerset and Wiltshire as Richard spend all of his life in the area. Charities involved in cancer research and patient support will be funded, alongside organisations that protect historic buildings, enhance local community facilities and promote rural opportunities.

As a local farmer himself, Richard knew the importance of farming and agriculture to local communities and the value of locally produced food but was also aware of the many challenges faced by those working in and relying on the industry. The Foundation supports a number of farming and agricultural organisations in their work to promote wellbeing and  opportunities in a vibrant and successful industry.

Richard also wanted to encourage and help more young people engage with farming and be given the opportunities to enjoy working on the land and with livestock, so the Foundation will shall be looking at projects that can create these.

The Foundation is building long term and mutually beneficial partnerships with the charities that were important to Richard Oatley, organisations he saw making a difference and improving lives and opportunities across Wiltshire and Somerset.



At present our work is limited to supporting the charities originally named as beneficiaries of the Trust.