Streatley Meadows, Berkshire. Owned by Heart of Streatley Charitable Trust

Preserving their heritage
In the first round of QEII Fields County Funds, Heart of Streatley Charitable Trust were successful in their application for funding. Their newly established Streatley Meadows, bordering the village's main street, is a vital element of the village's cultural heritage, preserving rare Berkshire chalk downland. It was to the borders of the site that the Heart of Streatley Charitable Trust first turned their attention, receiving £3000 from the QEII Fields Funds for fencing, access gates and specialist repairs to their 17th century flint wall.

Using local knowledge and skills

“We have received a grant from the QEII Fields in Trust to help us build an interpretation board. Ivor from Goring works in this area and has said he will help us put it together. Bob from Streatley has said he can help us construct it from locally sourced oak”.

and local resources
“Scout's gate was found in a bad state half way back in the field. It was refurbished and relocated at the front of the field to enable a wider vehicular access that the narrow one which exists as farm vehicles have got wider over the years!”

Involving the community
Throughout, the process has involved many members of the local community – consultation over the plans showed 80% of the village wanted the meadow saved for future generations. Despite snow and poor weather they have managed to plant trees, set up new fences, restore their wall and gate!

Fretherne with Saul & Framilode Playing Field, Gloucestershire. Owned by Fretherne with Saul & Framilode Village Hall & Playing Field Charity
Successful applicant: £1,000 for new children's play equipment
In the second round of QEII Fields County Funds, Fretherne with Saul & Framilode Village Hall and Playing Field Charity applied successfully for funding to rejuvenate and expand the children's play equipment on their site. Research had shown that the area had a high proportion of small children, but no play equipment for them. The local play group is based on the site so any play additions would be much used.

Engaging the imagination
“The new funding will provide something to engage the toddlers and help develop the confidence of the quieter children”, Duncan Carter, Chairman of Saul Memorial Hall Committee.

Appreciating the outdoors
Not only will the new equipment encourage children to play outdoors, but it also reflects the natural heritage of the area. The boat will be in keeping with the surrounding environment as the River Severn is only one mile away. The site already has a stone feature that mimics the loop of the Severn in Arlingham, and the boat is to be placed in this area.

“Our boat arrives in 2 weeks, can't wait to see it! We are planting some raised flower beds, one with a Union Jack, one with FIT, and the others with 1952 and 2012 in, our field should look fantastic!!”

Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge Funding Case Study

Town Lane Field, Lancashire. Owned by Heskin Parish Council
Successful applicant: £1,000 for a wildflower meadow, disabled access, a footpath, new benches.

Coun Ed Forshaw, chairman of Heskin Parish Council said:

“We are a small parish and short of public open space. Many, if not all, wildflower meadows have been lost as farming becomes more intensified. Our scheme will enable young and old to enjoy the splendour of a proper wildflower meadow and all that goes with it: wildlife, flora and fauna. Children from Heskin School will be involved in the designing of signs and the planting, as will our older people from the "Young at Heart" club. We have incorporated a user friendly path so that disabled people and young mums with prams can have easy access”.

Enriching their lives
Funding from Fields in Trust has enabled their local space to be improved and a focus for the community to enjoy. It will also be a valuable tool for children to learn to appreciate the natural environment and hopefully recapture the joy of the British Countryside at its best.

Increasing natural diversity
Heskin can now be proud to be contributing to reversing a national decline in these valuable habitats. Despite their high wildlife value and intrinsic cultural appeal, our magnificent meadows have suffered catastrophic declines. Between the 1930s and 1980s, 97% were lost across England and Wales.
Wildflower-rich grasslands are important ecosystems, supporting a rich diversity of plants and animals, including rare and declining species. They contribute to the well-being of our society and as a healthy ecosystem providing essential 'services'. Wildflower-rich meadows and grasslands are an important store of carbon (about 34% of the global stock of carbon held in terrestrial ecosystems), they reduce the impact of flooding, emit fewer greenhouse gases due to lower livestock densities and fertiliser input, and improve soil nutrient retention.

This year, the London Marathon Charitable Trust has partnered with the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry to support the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Read more.

Sherwood Cricket Club (SCC), Kent is one of only four trailblazing cricket clubs across the UK protecting their pitchesfor people to enjoy now and forever. Sherwood has signed their 6.5 acres, serving over 140 members, up to the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. This preserves outdoor recreational spaces forever, building a living legacy to the Queen's Diamond jubilee in communities across the country.

Landowners across the UK are encouraged to play their part in safeguarding outdoor space in conjunction with Fields in Trust. Supported by the Duke of Cambridge's patronage, Fields in Trust's Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge aims to protect 2,012 open spaces as a tangible legacy for both HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. The dedication will provide communities across the country with a fantastic way to engage with these two historic events at a local level.

“We are delighted that Sherwood Cricket Club has taken this opportunity to protect their space forever. Saving outdoor space is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our communities and by protecting this area under the QEII Fields Challenge, the Cricket Club has shown how much they value their community and its future,”comments Alison Moore-Gwyn, chief executive of Fields in Trust.

Within Medway alone we have lost over 10 cricket grounds in the past decade, by ensuring the grounds are protected forever, we have taken the right approach to protect the facilitiesat Sherwood for the club and the local community,” said Tony Rossiter, Chairman of Sherwood Cricket Club. “The benefits are of major importance to any club that are seeking to develop their facilities. Any capital investment from grants and funding are assured that the investments are secure and will benefit the community for the lifetime of the project.”

See more images on our flickr account.

Duke of Cambridge's Diamond Jubilee tribute to the Queen celebrated by Islington park

Gillespie Park launched Have a Field Day today (Friday 30 March) with national charity Fields in Trust. The sun shone on children from local school St John's Highbury Vale as they showed off their handmade Easter bonnets, a fun activity in the spirit of Have a Field Day. Have a Field Days are a fun day for families, friends and neighbours celebrating their outdoor space being protected for future generations through the charity's Diamond Jubilee programme: the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

You can see more fantastic photos from the day on our flickr account.
Through a partnership with Asda, Fields in Trust is aiming to protect 2,012 outdoor recreational spaces by the end of 2012, to create a living legacy from the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic & Paralympic Games. The Challenge is being led by The Duke of Cambridge, who commented 'I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to my Grandmother's 60 glorious years on The Throne than to dedicate to The Queen this programme that will save playing fields for future generations.'

So far over 1000 communities across the UK stand to benefit from a protected Queen Elizabeth II Fields. Have a Field Days are a great way of bringing people and families together, as well as encouraging children to get outdoors and get active. They offer something for everyone – football sessions, 'sack races, tea parties, kite making, dog shows, competitions and more. Have a Field Days can take place across the summer of 2012 but many are being held in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee weekend in June.

Queen Elizabeth II Fields across the country will receive Have a Field Day Toolkits to help them plan their event and those holding events will also get a box full of bunting, flags, stickers, badges and other items to help ensure the day is a great success. Communities are encouraged to make their Diamond Jubilee celebrations Field Days by holding them on their QEII Field.

“The Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics are once in a life time events, and what better way of celebrating than by local people and families gathering together to join in sports, fun activities and games on their permanently –protected Queen Elizabeth II Field. We are delighted with the enthusiasm and range of activities people are planning for their Field Days and hope many more will follow suit, getting outside in the fresh air and enjoying themselves. ” Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive, Fields in Trust.

Paul Kelly, Asda's Corporate Affairs Director said, "Asda is proud to be the principal partner of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Green spaces provide free, safe spaces for customers, colleagues and the wider community; everyone should have somewhere they can meet, play or relax – I would urge everybody to vote for a space within their local community.”

“We are delighted that Fields in Trust have chosen Gillespie Park to be protected forever as part of the QE2 Fields Challenge, and we are thrilled to have been chosen by Fields in Trust to launch its brilliant 'Have a Field Day' campaign,” adds Emma Dixon, Friends of Gillespie Park.

“Gillespie Park is hugely important to our local community and one of the jewels in Islington's crown. It's very popular with local families and residents and we're working to make sure that continues for many years to come.” said James Gilchrist, head of Islington Council's Greenspace Services.

We're appearing on billboards near you! Keep an eye out - if you see one, let us know with the twitter hashtag #seenitqe2.

This is the image:

and here it is in place:

Sport England have recently released guidance on using school facilites after hours:

Seeing school sports facilities locked up and out of bounds both after hours and during the holidays has always seemed to waste a valuable resource – particularly in areas where there is a lack of community sports facilities. Historically this has been an area fraught with issues relating to liability, upkeep and access. We hope that Sport England's new guidelines will help more schools, both in the public and private sectors, to navigate this path ensuring these facilities can bring greater benefit to more people, while remaining sustainable

comments Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust.

The Eastern counties of Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk are the top three counties across the United Kingdom when it comes to protecting their space where people can get out for recreation.

Together they have made sure 1682 acres of outdoor space have been protected for future generations to enjoy. That is the equivalent of 934 football fields, which if laid end to end would stretch from Cambridge nearly back to London. The sites in these counties range from clifftop gardens in Hunstanton, a newly opened Nature reserve in Bobbingworth, and a village green in Earith.

With the Duke of Cambridge's patronage, and the support of principal partners Asda, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge is a living legacy programme to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It aims to protect 2,012 open play spaces across the UK, giving local communities the chance to engage with these two historic events. Landowners across the country are encouraged to play their part in preserving outdoor space by Fields in Trust. And this summer, communities can celebrate their QEII Field by Having a Field Day – a day of fun and activity, with the support of a free goodie box and toolkit from Fields in Trust, to help them run it.

“We are delighted at the number of sites landowners across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk have put forward for protection as a Queen Elizabeth II Field. By celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in this way, by safeguarding their outdoor spaces, the councils in these counties have shown how much they value the quality of life of everyone in their community both now and in the future. I do hope that we will see other counties wanting to follow this wonderful example” Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust said.

“The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge is a great way for us to show our communities that we value outdoor space and ensuring it is preserved for their future enjoyment. We wanted to help involve people with the events of 2012, and the Fields in Trust scheme has given us that opportunity. I would encourage all landowners to consider this for their spaces,” said Philip Peacock, Community Facilities Manager at Cambridgeshire ACRE.

Each Queen Elizabeth II Field will receive a cast metal plaque indicating that it is part of the programme.

And we can reveal what the plaque will look like here!

Once your deed of dedication for your QEII Field has been signed, we'll be sending you a registration form for your plaque. Look out for it!

See all our press presence in January 2012 (pdf)

27 communities across the country started 2012 with a strong salute to the sporting and royal events of the year to come: their local parks and playing fields were one of the lucky sites to receive a slice of over £55,000. Awarded as grants to Queen Elizabeth II Fields, the funding has facilitated local communities to improve their local parks, from installing new play equipment and improving playing field drainage to planting wildflower meadows.

Prees Cricket and Recreation Club in Shropshire are one of the delighted recipients: “We're extremely grateful for the generous grant of £2,500 towards the renewal of our all weather cricket pitch. Our old pitch was in such a dangerous condition that we were at risk of having to cancel our cricket but with this help we can now renew the pitch. This not only means we can continue to play with our existing teams but are hoping to start another under 13 side this year,” commented Brian Hughes Secretary, Prees Cricket and Recreation Club

The recipients of this round of county funding were spread across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire and Shropshire. “We are delighted and very grateful for the grant. The Parish Council wanted to commemorate Her Majesty's Jubilee and the Fields in Trust scheme gave us that opportunity”, added Alan Whittaker, Clerk to Heskin Parish Council.

Families enjoying Town Lane Field, Heskin.

The sites were eligible for this funding as their owners nominated each one for the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Becoming part of the Challenge means they will be preserved for future generations to use and enjoy forever. The funding was made available with the support of the Lord-Lieutenant and generous donors in the counties.

With the Duke of Cambridge's patronage, and the support of principal partner Asda, the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge is a living legacy programme to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It aims to protect 2,012 open play spaces across the UK, giving local communities the chance to engage with these two historic events. Landowners across the country are encouraged to play their part in preserving outdoor space by Fields in Trust.

“Saving outdoor space is crucial for the health and enjoyment of communities everywhere and I am delighted that these councils and landowners are embracing the opportunity presented by the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge to protect, and improve their sites. By safeguarding these areas, the owners have, by celebrating The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in this wonderful way, shown how much they value the quality of life of everyone in their community both now and in the future. I encourage other councils to watch for further rounds of Fields in Trust County Funding in 2012 to help make their Queen Elizabeth II Field the best they can be,”
Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said.

Find out if there is funding available in your county for your Queen Elizabeth II Field.

The full list of sites and grants awarded is:
Cotton End Village Hall Playing Field Eastcotts Parish Council Bedfordshire £2,500
The Elms Park Bracknell Town Council Berkshire £2,000
Jock's Lane Recreation Ground Bracknell Town Council Berks £2,000
Calfridus Way Recreation Ground Bracknell Town Council Berks £2,000
Meadow Park, Earley Earley Town Council Berks £3,000
Speen Recreation Ground Speen Parish Council Berks £2,000
Stockcross Recreation Ground Speen Parish Council Berks £4,000
Streatly Meadows Heart of Streatley Charitable Trust Berks £3,000
St Cleer Parish Sports Field St Cleer Parish Council Cornwall £2,000
Thanckes Park Friends of Thanckes Park Cornwall £1,000
Broomhills Playing Field Repton Parish Council Derbyshire £2,500
De Havilland Grange Hatfield Town Council Herts £550
Woolmer Green Village Hall Field Woolmer Green Parish Council Herts £2,500
Moatfield Recreaqtion Ground Hertsmere Borough Council Herts £3,000
Amberswood Common Wigan Council £2,000
Slyne with Hest Recreation Ground Slyne with Hest Parish Council Lancashire £2,000
Town Lane Field Heskin Parish Council Lancashire £1,000
ASDA Sports Site Thurmaston Parish Council Leicestershire £500
Melton Country Park Melton Borough Council Leicestershire £1,000
The Queen Elizabeth II Field, Desford Sport in Desford Leicestershire £1,000
Lodge Road Recreation Ground Fleckney Parish Council Leicestershire £300
Dovecote Playing Field Barwell Parish Council Leicestershire £3,500
Prees Cricket & Recreation Club Ground Prees Cricket & Recreation Club Shropshire £2,500
Baschurch Playground Baschurch Playground Trust Shropshire £2,500
Telford Town Park Arena Telford and Wrekin Council Shropshire £2,500
Gadebridge Park Dacorum Borough Council Herts £2,500
Bovingdon Green Dacorum Borough Council Herts £2,500

There is much fanfare today around the first cabinet meeting of 2012 being held at the Olympic Park with one of the key items on the agenda: how the London 2012 Games can bring lasting legacy to the UK. Six of the eight major facilities now have a legacy plan to benefit local communities and elite athletes but, whilst beneficial for a few, this is a far cry from the wide ranging grassroots sporting legacy that was promised back in 2005.

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, run by national charity Fields in Trust and supported by Asda, will ensure that communities across the whole UK will benefit from the 2012 Games and the Diamond Jubilee. Over 1000 playing fields, playgrounds, bicycle trails, coastal paths and parks have been nominated so far to be permanently protected from development ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sport and play. Marked by a commemorative plaque the Queen Elizabeth II Fields will also benefit from improvement funding programmes from, amongst others, Sport England and SITA Trust and will have the opportunity to host a celebratory event on the site over the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said: 'The Olympic venues are truly inspirational and will allow the UK to host an Olympic Games we can all be proud of but it is vital that the impact of the Games extends well beyond the summer and autumn of 2012 and well beyond East London. Our Diamond Jubilee legacy programme will provide access to all kinds of recreational facility to communities the length and breadth of the country and, most importantly, will continue to do so for generations to come: this can truly be celebrated and enjoyed as The Legacy by people throughout the UK.

Supported by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, we've had an overwhelmingly positive response to the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge so far but it is not too late to get involved and we're urging all Local Authorities and Town and Parish Councils to nominate their recreational sites and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.'

Fields in Trust are delighted to announce a £1 million fund supported by The London Marathon Charitable Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry to provide improvements to Queen Elizabeth II Fields in boroughs all across London.

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, led by its patron The Duke of Cambridge, aims to safeguard and support 2012 outdoor recreational spaces in communities across the UK as a living legacy to both HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With sites ranging from bicycle trails to woodlands and playgrounds to sports pitches, the Queen Elizabeth II Fields will offer something for everyone and ensure that communities have the opportunity to live healthy and active lives for generations to come.

This fund will be open to any outdoor recreational space protected in perpetuity as a Queen Elizabeth II Field in London to facilitate all kinds of improvements from new goal posts to play equipment, wildflower planting and park benches.

Alison Moore Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust said: 'This generous fund will bring fantastic benefit to the newly protected Queen Elizabeth II Fields across the London boroughs.
Outdoor spaces are vital for people's health and happiness – particularly in the densely populated capital where these spaces are often the only access people have to outside space.
We're grateful to both The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry and The London Marathon Charitable Trust for helping us to work within communities to make these spaces even better.'

David Golton, Chief Executive, London Marathon Charitable Trust said:'Since 1999, the Trust has regularly set aside money to help keep playing fields free of threats and open for the community. Our contribution to the joint aims of the Foundation and Fields in Trust continues this work and we are delighted to a major funder contributing to the fields in London'

Nick Booth, Chief Executive, The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry said: 'Building on the Foundation's original support for this project we are delighted to be partnering with the London Marathon Charitable Trust to help ensure fields and open spaces are protected for future generations to benefit from and enjoy.'

ENDS

For further information please contact
Helen Griffiths at Fields in Trust on 07946 188371 /0207 427 2112 / helen.griffiths@fieldsintrust.org

The latest sport participation numbers are out today: there are fewer young people playing sport and also fewer women taking part *. In contrast to missed activity targets, and falling participation rates, Fields in Trust's Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge has so far ensured that over 15,000 acres of accessible outdoor recreational space will forever be present in communities.

From bike trails to football pitches, parks and playing fields, the local sites provide existing and future generations with the chance to take part in local sports and outdoor activities. More than 493 landowners have joined with Fields in Trust to dedicate their sites for permanent protection as Queen Elizabeth II Fields. This is a vital element to driving sports engagement. It is also important that local authorities as the main provider of outdoor sports facilities continue to mark out and maintain pitches to good quality and that, while we understand the financial pressures on all authorities, pitch hire prices should remain affordable in the context of what the local users can pay.

“The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge gives the country a chance for the Olympics to drive grassroots sports fundamentally. It is crucial that we do not feel downhearted at the recent participation statistics: with the support of our sponsors Asda, the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge is working to ensure a sporting legacy from the momentous events of 2012 – the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics. The more landowners that get behind the Challenge and the inspirational leadership of its patron The Duke of Cambridge, the more access there will be for future generations to play grassroots sports,” Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust said.

*Sport England figures http://www.sportengland.org/media_centre/press_releases/sports_participation_figures.aspx
=ENDS=
For further information please contact:
Kathryn Cook at Fields in Trust on 07931 392 176; 0207 427 2117; kathryn.cook@fieldsintrust.org

Parks and playing fields protected forever with public voter power

Friday 18th November saw the end of Save a Space for Me; a month long online campaign to support outdoor spaces nominated to be safeguarded as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Over 20,000 people from councillors, members of the public and sports leaders showed their support for fields with over 10,000 web visits recorded on the day of launch alone.

Seven councils put forward several sites for voting, with 1 or 2 winning out for each and then being protected (eg Elmbridge put forward 5 sites; the site with the most votes will be given QEII status). The results of these votes are downloadable in this pdf

The rest were taking part in 'votes for support'. This was where, even if a site got only a few votes (or none!) they will still always be going forward to be protected forever. But you've all been clicking away madly to show your support and affection for your local sites. The results of this are in this pdf.

Led by charity Fields in Trust and supported by Asda Save a Space for Me was the public's chance to have a say in creating a local legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Patron of the Challenge, lent his voice to the campaign urging people to support their local sites to ensure vital outdoor recreational spaces are protected for future generations.

Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust said: “We're absolutely delighted that thousands of people took the time to say 'Save a Space for Me'. The passion they have shown for their local parks is exactly the community spirit that is so vital to the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Support from our partners Asda has been important in helping us get out there and let people know about the chance to vote for their local spaces. We've had hundreds of postal votes as well, from people determined not to let lack of internet access stop them from showing their support for their local fields.”

Paul Kelly, Asda's Corporate Affairs Director said, "Asda is proud to be the principal partner of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Green spaces provide free, safe spaces for customers, colleagues and the wider community. Everyone should have somewhere they can meet, play or relax – and we are thrilled at the response from the public to 'Save a Space For Me'.”

Jools Granville, Communications Manager at SITA Trust said: “The past month has given the public the chance to show they care for their local fields and parks. We want to help make sure these fields are as good as they can be for the local communities – so we teamed up with Fields in Trust to offer QEII fields the unique chance to apply to SITA Trust's £1 million improvement fund.”


For further information please contact:
Kathryn Cook at Fields in Trust on 07931 392 176; 0207 427 2117; kathryn.cook@fieldsintrust.org

With just two days to go until Save a Space for Me closes, retired greyhounds have come out in force to support protection of local green spaces.

Retired greyhounds are barking loudly in support of a programme led by the Duke of Cambridge to safeguard parks, playing fields and open spaces across the UK.

The Retired Greyhound Trust has joined the campaign to save green spaces for the 4,000 dogs across the country who are homed every year and need places to enjoy walks with their new families.

The British public have just two days left to vote for the parks, playing fields and open spaces in their communities that should be safeguarded for future generations to enjoy at www.qefields.com.

The programme marks HM The Queen's Diamond Jubliee next year when celebrations will be held in parks and on playing fields across the country.

Retired Greyhound Trust Chief Executive Peter Laurie said: “We work really hard to find homes for greyhounds at the end of their racing careers and it is crucial they have somewhere to exercise with their new families.

“We have 72 branches across the country and hundreds of volunteers who look after our greyhounds until homes can be found for them. They need green spaces to walk our dogs every day.

“Parks and green spaces are also meeting places for dog owners - the catalyst for long-lasting friendships and where people have the chance to exercise together with their dogs. It is great that dog owners and their pets can benefit from this programme and we would urge everyone to get involved.”

Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of the Fields in Trust charity which is running the scheme, said: “It is great to have the support of the Retired Greyhound Trust. For many years we have been working to protect open spaces, many of which may be the only green space where dog owners can walk with their pets.

“By supporting the campaign online or encouraging their local authority to protect important open community spaces, everyone can get involved in creating this great tribute to the Diamond Jubilee.”

To cast your vote and for more information go to www.qe2fields.com. For further information about the Retired Greyhound Trust go to www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.


ends

For further media information, photographs or interviews please contact:
Helen Barklam in the Retired Greyhound Trust communications team, tel: 01772 785392 or 07917 148900.

Notes to editors

The charity has housed more than 50,000 dogs since it was set up in 1975. Around 9,000 greyhounds retire from racing each year.

The Retired Greyhound Trust has 72 branches across the country made up of volunteers who are dedicated to finding homes for the dogs in their areas. Many have websites, showing pictures of the dogs that need homes.

Over half of the first wave of sports playing fields to earn improvement funding from Sport England's Protecting Playing Fields fund are Queen Elizabeth II Fields.

48 sports playing fields across England are to be protected and improved in the first wave of National Lottery investment by Sport England's Protecting Playing Fields legacy fund.

Sunday Times article

16 October 2011

The Royal defense of Britain's green and pleasant land has begun.

[behind Times paywall].

Great web page from Cheshire West and Chester council about why they support the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

http://bit.ly/cwchwebsite

Find it under their 2012 Olympics pages.

VALE MP Alun Cairns has asked community councils from Wenove to Wick and the Vale of Glamorgan Council to put forward nominations for The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge. 2012 marks Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, operated by Fields in Trust, is the campaign to protect 2012 outdoor recreational spaces in communities all across the country as a permanent living legacy of this great event.

http://www.aluncairns.co.uk/2011/08/call-for-nominations-for-the-queen-elizabeth-ii-fields-challenge/

Half a century...not out!

Hot on the heels of England's cricketing success at the weekend another big number was hit. Excitement at Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge HQ: we have reached 500! That is 500 outdoor recreational spaces nominated for permanent protection through the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Since the Challenge launched last year, nearly 8000 acres have been put forward for protection. From the furthest reaches of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to East Anglia, Cornwall and all counties inbetween, landowners have been busy nominating their outdoor spaces. You can see what's near you by entering your postcode on our page.

If there aren't any, why not drop your local council a line and see if they're thinking of putting any forward? The Challenge aims to protect 2,012 open spaces as a tangible legacy for both HM the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics.

Parish council protects living legacy for their community

One woman's dedication to her local community area has resulted in the protection of open space for future generations to enjoy.

Parish clerk Margaret Richards of Wingham Village in Kent has spent over twenty five years working for Wingham Council. Recently she has helped the Parish Council to be the first Kent landowner to dedicate permanent recreational space for protection through the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

Nestled on the edge of the village, Wingham Recreation Ground is a vital part of village life, providing a focus for sport, games and activities and fun for all ages. Signing it up to the Fields Challenge has created a living legacy for HM the Queen and a green reminder of Mrs Richards' work for the local area.

Landowners across the country are encouraged to play their part in safeguarding outdoor space in conjunction with Fields in Trust. Supported by the Duke of Cambridge's patronage, Fields in Trust's Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge aims to protect 2,012 open spaces as a tangible legacy for both HM THE Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. The dedication will provide communities across the country with a fantastic way to engage with these two historic events at a local level.

“I congratulate Wingham Parish Council for being the first of what I hope will be many others in Kent to sign up to the Fields Challenge as part of this national tribute to Her Majesty. Physical activity is of obvious importance to the health of our communities and this scheme enables people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of long-term protection for recreational spaces,” Viscount De L'Isle, Lord-Lieutenant designate and The Queen's representative in the County, said.

“Saving outdoor space is crucial for the health of our communities and I am delighted that Mrs Richards and Wingham Parish Council are leading the way. By protecting this area under the QEII Fields Challenge, the Council has shown how much they value their community and its future,” Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said.

“I am extremely proud that we are the first parish in Kent to be awarded this unique status. It enables us to protect our recreation ground forever, when so many open spaces are being sold off. The grounds and facilities been improved recently which has raised the profile of the recreation ground. It is now regarded as being one of the best in the area. This dedication will be a permanent reminder for the village of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee,” Bryan Curtis, Wingham Parish Chairman, said.

Green spaces to be protected

GREEN spaces in Hoddesdon and Goffs Oak are to be protected from development in honour of the Queen's diamond jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics.

The Old Highway Recreation Ground and Goffs Oak playing fields will be subject to a covenant by Fields in Trust (FiT).

Cllr Hazel Jackson (Con, Bury Green), pictured, cabinet member for direct services, said: “2012 is an exciting year in the UK with two major events scheduled, Her Majesty the Queen's diamond jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics.

“The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, headed by its patron the Duke of Cambridge and operated by Fields in Trust, is a programme to protect outdoor recreational spaces in communities all across the country as a permanent living legacy of these landmark occasions.

“The locations that the council has identified to be included are Cedars Park, Old Highway recreation ground and Goffs Oak playing field.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge will protect a diverse range of outdoor space, from sports pitches to woodlands, children's play areas to gardens and bicycle trails to parks to ensure that there is something for everyone.

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge gives communities an opportunity to vote for an outdoor space in their area to become part of the scheme and be permanently protected as a tribute to the Diamond Jubilee.

A spokesman for FiT said: “Whether you live in a dense city or the middle of the countryside recreational spaces are the heart of any community and the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge will ensure that these outdoor spaces are guaranteed for future generations.

“Securing access to grassroots sporting facilities is particularly relevant given the other milestone event taking place in the UK in 2012 – the London Olympics. What better way to mark the greatest sporting show on earth?”

gemma.gardner@hertsessexnews.co.uk

As featured in the Hertfordshire Mercury.

Royal protection for west Cumbria green spaces

(published 7 July 2011 in News and Star)

Four green areas in Allerdale are to become protected as part of a celebration for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Olympics.

Workington's Vulcan Park, Flimby, Fletchers Crescent in Maryport and Harris Park extension in Cockermouth will become Queen Elizabeth II Protected Fields – provided that they are supported by the community.

It means the council will be able to access related grants to improve the areas and that the areas would be preserved as playing fields. The council would not be able to build on the land in the future.

The dedication of QE II fields is a project run by Price William in conjunction with the Fields In Trust organisation to celebrate the jubilee and Olympics.

Nominations can include any green space that is owned by a council that is used for leisure and recreational purposes.

The spaces were identified on the basis of their location and their value to the community.

The proposals will go to a public vote in September before being finalised as QE II fields. They cannot gain protected status without a show of support from the community.

Vulcan Park is exempt from the vote as the site is in receipt of a £27,000 grant for outdoor gym equipment under condition that it becomes protected.

Additional sites have been put forward include Hall Park in Workington; Flimby rugby pitch; Camp Road play area in Maryport; The Green opposite Nelson Street in Maryport; the Millennium Green on The Promenade in Maryport; Windermere Road Playing Field and Ellneborough Moor green area in Maryport; and the field next to Harrington Marina.

They have yet to win the approval of the Fields in Trust organisation and Allerdale council.

Hall Park will also need approval from the Curwen Trust in order to be put forward.

Council leader Alan Smith said an email will be sent to other town and parish councils asking if they would like to put forward any other spaces for consideration.

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/royal-protection-for-west-cumbria-green-spaces-1.855523?referrerPath=news

Press Release 19th April 2011

Chester residents receive a helping hand in getting FIT

Monday's event was a great opportunity to mark the announcement of ASDA as principal partner of The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

We're looking forward to working with the team and the benefit this collaboration will bring to communities across the country.

To find out more about ASDA's involvement visit their website Your Asda.

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge event with Prince William and Catherine Middleton in Blackburn yesterday was a huge success!

During their visit to Witton Country Park Prince William and MIss Middleton met with athletes, footballers and local school children and were shown what a fantastic resource outdoor recreational spaces are to communities.

Prince William signed the deed of dedication officially confirming Witton Park as a Queen Elizabeth II Field. We were also delighted to announce ASDA as the principal partner of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge during the event.

To find out more about the visit read our press release and see the range of coverage below:

Daily Telegraph, Daily Mirror, The Sun, Daily Express,BBC, Sky News

PRESS RELEASE

21st March 2011

Click here to find out more

WREN FIT Zones

If exercise is good for the body and green space good for the mind, a UK charity is killing two birds with one stone by installing 10 outdoor gyms across the country.
Fields in Trust, which works to protect the quality of recreational space across the UK, is using a £300,000 grant from WREN to create the innovative and accessible gyms.

WREN is a not for profit business that awards grants to community projects from funds donated by Waste Recycling Group (WRG) to the Landfill Communities Fund.
Working in conjunction with Fields in Trust's legacy programme to mark both the Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics, the majority of these 'WREN FIT Zones' will be established on the newly protected Queen Elizabeth II Fields. The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, led by its Patron Prince William, aims to protect 2012 outdoor recreational spaces by 2012 creating a permanent and tangible legacy that will benefit communities now and for generations to come.

The ten towns and cities involved in the WREN FIT Zone scheme are Nottingham, Chester, Workington, Penistone, Warrington, Nuneaton, Llandeilo, Rhyl, Edinburgh and Craigneuk.

The WREN FIT Zones will provide fantastic opportunities for people to get fit and healthy in their local park or field using exercise bikes, weights machines, treadmills and skiers. Outdoor gyms are hugely popular and remove many of the barriers people face in engaging with traditional gyms such as cost and perceived ability.

Alison Moore-Gwyn, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust said: “Outdoor gyms are a wonderful use of public spaces and encourage inter-generational activity for families. It is a great way for everyone to be able to participate in exercise and reap the rewards of improved physical and mental health. We're delighted that with WREN funding we will be able to create 10 of these spaces in areas where they are most needed.”

Peter Cox, Managing Director of WREN said: “WREN is committed to funding projects that make a real difference to local communities, children and families. The outdoor gyms will provide a fantastic space for local people to get outdoors and have some fun while exercising. We're delighted to support Fields in Trust to make this happen and look forward to the completion of the project.”

Combined with the permanent protection of the sites through the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge is a great opportunity to show commitment to the important role outdoor space plays in creating happier and healthier communities

- WREN is a not for profit business that awards grants to community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK from funds donated by Waste Recycling Group (WRG) as part of a voluntary environmental tax credit scheme called the Landfill Communities Fund. Since 1988, WREN has granted over £141m to more than 5,300 projects which benefit people living within 10 miles of a WRG landfill site. For more information please visit www.wren.org.uk

For information about WREN please contact Lucy Clegg or Hannah Freeman at Tribe PR on 01603 417722 or email lucy@tribepr.com

A first time buyer who faced having his house pulled down before he'd even moved in is finally celebrating tonight.

Plans to build a road straight through Gavin Farrand's Sheffield home and a local playing field have now been blocked.

www.itv.com/yorkshire/first-home-saved37781/

(originally published on http://warley.yourcllr.com/2010/07/13/2012-fields-challenge/ July 13 2010)

At Full Council this Wednesday I have put forward to support The Queen Elizabeth II 2012 Fields Challenge” a national scheme to protect playing fields across the Country supported the Patron, HRH Prince William.

My motion in full is:

“Brentwood Borough Council gives it full support to the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

2012 will mark Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and we support plans to celebrate the occasion with The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge which will provide a living legacy for this great event.

We believe that green spaces and playing fields are at the heart of our community and through this Fields Challenge will ensure these spaces are guaranteed for future generations.”

The scheme aims to select 2,012 playing fields across the UK to protect them for generations to come.

It is not just a perfect way to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our Queen, it is an opportunity to provide a lasting legacy by protecting our public parks and open spaces for generations to come. I am proud of the parks and open spaces we have in Brentwood, especially those in my own ward of Warley. We will be doing all we can to celebrate what will be a superb year in 2012 for our Monarch, for sport and for our community.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr Mrs Louise McKinlay, is seconding my Motion. “I am delighted to support William in this initiative, which would be great for Brentwood. We have some fantastic parks and open spaces used for sports and the Fields Challenge will only serve to enhance them further.”

Prince launches jubilee project to save playing fields

(published on BBC news homepage on 7 June 2010 news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10257816.stm )

Prince William has launched a project to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee by saving hundreds of playing fields. The aim is to create or preserve 2,012 open spaces by 2012, the year the queen celebrates 60 years on the throne.The prince said he hoped the parks across the UK - to be named after his grandmother - would reflect her legacy.

"I sincerely hope that these fields will become a living reminder to all of the Queen's steadfast duty, dedication and love for this country," he said.

'No luxury'

Fields in Trust, which is running the project, says a report from last month indicated that 6,000 playing fields have been lost since 1992.The prince said: "Playing fields are not a luxury. They are a vital component of any healthy and happy community.

"The sad truth is that over the years thousands of playing fields have been lost to development, and many more are under threat today.

"For more than 80 years, the Fields in Trust charity has been working hard to combat this threat by protecting playing fields across the UK from development.

"There has never been greater need for their work."

The project, called the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, is the first major initiative in honour of the Queen's jubilee to involve a member of the royal family.

The prince's private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton said William's patronage was a personal tribute to his grandmother.

The prince also said the project was particularly relevant given that it coincides with the 2012 London Olympics.

"The Games will herald a decade of major sporting events to be held in the United Kingdom," he said.

"The question is where will our sporting stars of the future come from if we continue to lose access to these important grassroots facilities."

Sports minister Hugh Robertson said: "What better way to mark both the diamond jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics than by ensuring future generations will have access to space for sport and play."

Alison Moore Gwyn, chief executive of Fields in Trust, said: "Access to these facilities is vital to ensuring our communities are robust and healthy - a health that is achieved not just through participating in physical activity but, equally importantly, by providing a sense of community cohesion."

www.princeofwales.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/prince_william_launches_fields_in_trust_diamond_jubilee_trib_802557298.html

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge was officially launched today with the first ever showing of a video message from its Patron HRH Prince William of Wales outlining the campaign and asking the public to support the campaign.

'The year 2012 marks the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to my Grandmother's 60 glorious years on The Throne than to dedicate to The Queen this programme that will save playing fields for future generations'

HRH The Prince William of Wales