Fields in Trust is a national charity operating throughout the UK to safeguard recreational spaces and campaign for better statutory protection for all kinds of outdoor sites.
Founded in 1925 as the National Playing Fields Association by King George V, their mission is the same now and as it was then: to ensure that everyone – young or old, able-bodied or disabled and wherever they live – should have access to free, local outdoor space for sport, play and recreation... including picnics! These spaces are vital to building happy and healthy communities yet sadly continue to be threatened by all kinds of development. |
Fields in Trust currently safeguards over 2,600 sites; a total of 30,000 acres of land including playgrounds, playing fields, formal and informal parkland across the UK. The nation's green spaces are where people enjoy life experiences, relaxing with a picnic, walking the dog, teaching children or grandchildren to cycle, a place for a first kiss or to reach a personal sporting milestone. Some people have even experienced or witnessed a marriage proposal!
We live in a fast-paced world; access to green space provides us all with a chance to take time-out spend quality time being active with friends and family and feeling part of a community. However, recent research indicates that nearly one in five people (16 per cent) say that their local park or green space is currently or has previously been under threat of being built on. Two thirds (69%) state that the loss of parks would be detrimental to children’s development and half of respondents admitted that they would be less active if their local green space was lost.
We live in a fast-paced world; access to green space provides us all with a chance to take time-out spend quality time being active with friends and family and feeling part of a community. However, recent research indicates that nearly one in five people (16 per cent) say that their local park or green space is currently or has previously been under threat of being built on. Two thirds (69%) state that the loss of parks would be detrimental to children’s development and half of respondents admitted that they would be less active if their local green space was lost.
Fields in Trust support communities to enjoy their protected parks and playing fields. A successful and fun event can really energise a local community. The Have a Field Day project supports people to plan a celebration, bringing the community together, and encouraging as many people as possible to enjoy their local green spaces. Whether it’s a village fete, local sports day, nature trail, community picnic or something completely different, it’s up to you.
Whilst Fields in Trust already protect a huge number of spaces across the country, more can be done. People often assume that their local park will always be there, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Visit the Fields in Trust website and put your postcode into our “field finder” to see if your favourite local park is safe. Chances are that we’ve secured a park just up the road from you - if you are heading out to celebrate National Picnic Week choose a site that is protected by Fields in Trust. |