'Ferndean Manor', home of Mr. Rochester in Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre' is under dire threat - as is the picturesque and inspirational Bronte Way, which starts at Ferndean Manor and leads to Bronte Parsonage Museum, Haworth. Called Wycoller Hall in real life, Ferndean Manor is the centrepiece of the gorgeously romantic Wycoller hamlet clustered around a stream at the heart of Wycoller Country Park. Its moody scenery and residents inspired the Bronte sisters.
Lancashire County Council, which cares for the ruined Hall, the Bronte trail and the surrounding countryside is planning to completely close down the management, maintenance and ranger service. Visitors will no longer be able to see the great aisled barn or use the countryside activity centre. The visitor toilets will close and the privately run cafe and shop are unlikely to survive. Wycoller hamlet is Lancashire's prettiest visitor destination with thousands of visitors served by dozens of volunteers - who want to do more to promote the place. It is managed by countryside ranger with a modest budget. Any cost savings from closing it down will be negligible and the volunteers scattered. A key part of the Bronte sisters' heritage will be lost forever