Residents of Great Ouseburn are rallying together to save the picturesque Townend Field, as the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust (UOCT) spearheads a campaign to purchase the 20-acre parcel of land situated between Great Ouseburn and Little Ouseburn. With only weeks to raise £300,000 by the deadline of February 28, the urgency is palpable.
The fundraising initiative was formally launched on February 4 during a well-attended meeting at Great Ouseburn Village Hall, where local support was overwhelmingly positive. The chair of trustees, David Lloyd, took the opportunity to celebrate community spirit by presenting the trust's first 'Junior Membership' to 6-year-old Ethan, who had generously donated £21 from his piggy bank to support the cause.
Kate Yates, a villager and trustee associated with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, underscored the ecological importance of Townend Field. She emphasized, “Existing biodiversity which could be enhanced in a really beneficial way, to re-introduce species such as water voles.” These aquatic mammals have not been seen in the area for several decades, and their return would signify a healthier local ecosystem.
Another speaker, Nick Oswald, the headteacher at Great Ouseburn Primary School, highlighted the challenges faced by students due to the lack of adequate outdoor spaces. He remarked, “Our school provides a wonderful offering and is oversubscribed, but the one thing missing is a playing field of our own, which is highly unusual for a village primary school.” Oswald shared moving sentiments from the children as he read out “50 wishes” for outdoor education and access to nature, capturing the heart of the young learners yearning for interaction with their environment.
The campaign has captured the attention of several local notables, including renowned actress Dame Judi Dench, who recorded a heartfelt video message urging the community to support the effort. “Do what you can, give them anything you can... It's quite vitally important,” she stated, after making her own personal donation to the UOCT. Her celebrity endorsement has shone a spotlight on the significance of conserving this natural resource for future generations.
To engage the community and encourage donations, Graeme Jackson, another villager and trustee, has organized guided walks of the site every Thursday and Sunday at 2 PM. These walks have allowed locals to experience firsthand the beauty and tranquility of Townend Field. Both aspiring donors and interested parties have been able to explore the rich history of the area, which has ties to the Brontë sisters, particularly Anne Brontë, who was known to visit the picturesque locale.
These guided explorations not only showcase the land's natural beauty but are also intended to inform visitors about the plans for creating a community-owned nature reserve. The UOCT aims to create a space where locals can connect with nature, learn about biodiversity, and promote ecological well-being.
Despite the enthusiasm and community backing, the UOCT faces a significant fundraising challenge within the limited time frame. To facilitate generosity and participation, they have set up numerous channels for donations, urging everyone to visit their website at www.uoct.org.uk and contribute to the campaign’s success.
The upcoming weeks are set to be pivotal as the trust engages with local residents and encourages the community to dig deep to save Townend Field from potential development. Time is running out, and every contribution can lead to the significant goal of preserving this cherished local treasure as a protected nature reserve.