The Upper Ouse Conservation Trust

About Us

How we started

The Upper Ouse Conservation Trust started out when trustee and village member Graeme Jackson because concerned when the Townend Field came up for sale in 2024. Having grown up across from the field Graeme has well come to know the history and significance the field has to the village both past and present and didn’t want to see that lost.

The future of Townend field was first raised at a Parish Council meeting on 17th July 2024. Graeme, Allison Wells and Mark Bailey decided to take it forward by holding a public meeting, which was held on 25th July 2024. After seeing the overwhelming public response, Tim Gifford, Graeme Jackson and David Lloyd decided to work together to take things forward.

Tim, Graeme and David formed Townend Field Ltd on 9th September 2024. Soon after Liam Fenton joined the cause and the company was converted to a Community Benefit Society and registered with the FCA on 16th December 2024, and so the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust was born.

Louise Rayner joined to help with marketing the trusts cause primarily through social media. Accountant Rich Little was appointed as a trustee and treasurer in January 2025, followed shortly after by Kate Yates, who was appointed as wildlife and conservation expert.

The Four Key Aims of the Trust

Establish 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 participation in positive action for nature.

Educational Access

Facilitate use of Town End Field by Great Ouseburn 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'.

How we plan to achieve our objectives

  • Ensure financial sustainability for UOCT and Townend Field (eg. Land rent, government subsidies, green finance etc).
  • Identify conservation objectives through management plan.
  • Encourage and grow community participation in all aspects of UOCT.
  • Fundraising to deliver agreed outcomes. (Eg. donations, crowdfunding and grants).
  • Develop mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses, schools and environmental organisations.