Welcome to the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust
We are pleased to present the prospectus for the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust (UOCT), an FCA registered Charitable Community Benefit Society, created to take advantage of the unique opportunity to purchase a very special tract of local land, known as Townend Field.
Our aims are to protect the character of the landscape, provide the school with a playing field and give access to the community, whilst protecting local wildlife and enhancing bio-diversity.
Through the structure of a Community Benefit Society (CBS) which offers collective ownership and the same tax benefits for donors as a charity, we invite donations and UOCT membership to support the purchase and long-term stewardship of this land as a nature reserve.
What the project would mean for Great Ouseburn Community Primary School.
Here is a video from just some of the wonderful children at Great Ouseburn Community Primary School.
The pupils were asked what they imagine education with access to nature could look like.
Please DONATE and give these children (and future pupils at the school for generations to come,) access to nature as part of their education.
Dame Judi Dench, speaking on a special video she recorded just for the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust.
The vendors have agreed that if we can pay their revised asking price that we are the preferred bidder. They have been generous in not seeking higher bids from speculative investors who would seek to develop the land.
Please help us in our campaign to purchase Townend Field for the community, wildlife and the school.
Objectives of the scheme
Establishing a Nature Reserve
Safeguard the land as a sanctuary for native wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to local nature recovery.
Community Engagement
Create a lasting benefit for the local community through permissive access and active participation in positive action for the local environment.
Educational Access
Facilitate use of Townend Field by Great Ouseburn Primary School, promoting health, environmental awareness and nature connection.
Protect Landscape Character
The views the land affords are a significant feature of the village and are specifically mentioned in the village ‘Conservation Area Character Appraisal.’
Supporting Statements
