At the foot of Leckhampton Hill, tucked between paths leading up onto the escarpment, lies a small field known locally as Daisybank.
For years, people have walked there, sledged there, picnicked there, appreciated the wildflowers and grasses, listened to birdsong. It is used daily as a gateway to the hill above. For many local residents, it is woven quietly into everyday life and memory.
When we recently met with Helen Smith from Daisybank CIC, she described the field as a field of stories. Those stories make it a valued place.
But last year the future of Daisybank became uncertain.
When the 4.13-acre site (in fact a field within a field) was put up for sale, local people feared it could eventually be lost to development or private ownership. In response, a group of residents came together to try to protect it – not just as open space, but as a place for wildlife, community and future generations.
That effort became Daisybank Community Interest Company (CIC), a volunteer-led community organisation created with the aim of purchasing and preserving the land.
There is a proud history of community resistance and action locally. The Leckhampton Riots (see The Wilson Art gallery and Museum for details) are testimony to early efforts to keep public access to land in what was effectively an early ‘right to roam’ campaign.
The CIC were and are aware of this legacy and that they are following in the footsteps of ‘giants’.
The field itself sits within the Cotswolds National Landscape and connects into the wider landscape of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common, an area recognised for its wildlife, calcareous grassland habitats and geological importance. The neglected field’s proximity to the Site of Special Scientific Interest adds to its value and, importantly, to its potential.
After the land was listed as an Asset of Community Value, the newly formed CIC began fundraising through crowdfunding, grant applications and community support. The response was remarkable.
Local residents donated, shared memories and helped spread the word. Leaflets were delivered and posters kindly displayed by local businesses. A website was created by one talented volunteer. Parish councils, organisations and the National Lottery Heritage Fund also backed the project. Against the clock, the group succeeded in raising enough money to purchase the land in the nick of time and secure its future for the community. Now, attention is turning towards what comes next.
The CIC aims to restore and enhance habitats on the site through sensitive management including seasonal mowing (or scything!), scrub clearance and biodiversity improvements, while continuing to protect public access and the informal community use that has made Daisybank so valued locally. The CIC are learning that this all takes time and not to rush. An ecologist is advising them.
There are also ambitions to involve local residents, schools and community groups in the future stewardship of the site through walks, events, education and practical conservation work. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the local Butterfly Conservation Society are supportive.
When we met with Helen one of the things that stood out most was the sense that this project is about much more than simply buying a field.
It is about recognising the importance of everyday local green spaces – the places where people form memories, connect with nature and feel part of something larger than themselves.
The CIC recently presented sessions to year 7 students at High School Leckhampton on their ECO day. As Helen says, these young people are the future. If they understand and appreciate the natural world and their place in it, they will hopefully want to protect it.
At a time when many communities feel powerless in the face of environmental change and development pressure, Daisybank is also a reminder that local people can still come together to shape the future of the places they care about.
You can find out more about Daisybank CIC and follow the project here: Daisybank CIC
