Jean Prosser, in her role as parish priest, had successfully conserved the ‘at risk’ medieval Grade I listed St Cadoc’s Church at Llangattock Lingoed, between 2002  and 2003, and later undertook, with parochial church councils, further extensive church conservation at Grosmont, Skenfrith and Llanfair Cilgoed.  Her parish work in the rural area had revealed local farmers were anxious about being able to restore their stone-built  ‘at risk’ listed farm buildings. Following the 2001 foot and mouth disease crisis Rural Regeneration Grants offered funding opportunity. The Trust, made up of local volunteers, with a variety of skills, was formed one evening in Spring 2004,  in Jean’s sitting room.

 Its aim was to bid for grant aid for heritage projects and work alongside owners to conserve endangered historic buildings, such as the Llangattock Lingoed Cwm Farm Cider House and  16^th century  Great Trerhew Corn Barn. The initial aims were to conserve heritage and help revitalise the local economy through giving tourists public access to historic farm buildings at open days and community events. Heritage would be saved and income generated…especially for local hospitality providers …by giving people something to visit and by publicising the area.