Supporting Statements
"We believe that the future of our community lies in our collective ability to care for and steward the spaces that bring us together. Townend Field is not just a patch of land; it is a vital resource for recreation, connection, and environmental health. By supporting community ownership, we will ensure that it remains a space to reflect our shared values and serve the needs of all its residents both now and in the future. Ultimately, community ownership of the local field is an investment in our future—a space where we can come together, celebrate our shared goals, and continue to build a more resilient and connected neighbourhood for generations to come. So, let’s grow together and keep Townend Field forever!"
Nik & Lesley Wood
Owners of Ouseburn Village Store
"The benefit of a community taking ownership of land within their Parish is huge; you as a community will determine how best this land can be utilised to the advantage of all and protect at least this parcel of land from inappropriate development. As a community asset, you will be creating a legacy that will help protect all that is important to you; a space for Nature and the wellbeing that brings, a space for exercise and the health benefits that brings, a space where your children can (through the school) have even a better start in life. It’s not often a chance like this is presented to a community and through forming UOCTCommunity Benefit Society, you have put good foundations in place. Please support this amazing project."
Arnold Warneken
Councillor for Ouseburn Division
"To have our own playing field would be an absolute game changer for the children at Great Ouseburn Primary School. We strive to make their years at primary school as idyllic as possible and the missing piece of the jigsaw is our own open space. It is highly unusual for a village school like ours not to have any green space to play on. The benefits would be enormous for the children’s physical and mental health. The abiity to host our own sports days and tournaments would be amazing. To have space for nature walks, Forest School, orienteering, pond dipping, shelter building, tree climbing and a whole host of similar activities would take our curriculum offer to the next level."
Nick Oswald
Headteacher at Great Ouseburn Primary School
At FOGOS, we feel incredibly passionate about the possibility of having a playing field at the school. This would not only hugely improve the outdoor, recreational space for the children, but also open up a wealth of opportunities for the really important fundraising events we do for our brilliant school.”
Joanne Southall Taylor and Rachael Caffrey
Co-chairs of ‘Friends of Great OuseburnSchool’ (FOGOS)
I am delighted to be joining with The Upper Ouse Conservation Trust to help bring their project to fruition. The Natural World Fund can support the project through providing funding via the fund and via one or more of our major investor partners. Living Woods can support the development and management of aspects of the project once it becomes live. My colleagues and I at both organisations are experienced conservation land managers and regenerative farmers so will be available to work closely with the Trust to help maximise biodiversity across the site. The project excites us as the potential to create vey high conservation value is clear to see. The beck and the flood meadows can be improved with careful management to create very high quality conservation value fresh water and terrestrial ecology. In addition the idea to link closely with the primary school represents a fantastic opportunity to involve the next generation of ecologists and conservation minded individuals. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to many years working with the Trust and local community.”
John Law
Forestry Commission’s Nature Based Solutions Advisor and UOCT liason with The Natural World Fund and Living Woods.
