In every neighbourhood there are places that become part of everyday life.
The spot where children learn to ride a bike. Somewhere to meet neighbours for a chat. A shady place to enjoy a picnic on a warm afternoon. A handful of mature trees that provide birdsong, shelter for wildlife and a welcome escape from busy streets.
For the people of Fairview, that place is simply known as The Green.
Recently, there was cause for celebration when The Green at Westdown was officially awarded Village Green Status, giving it long-term protection and recognising its importance to both the local community and the environment.
The achievement didn’t happen overnight.
Several years ago, local residents discovered that Fairview’s only public green space could be sold and developed. Rather than accept losing it, the community came together. Volunteers organised campaigns, navigated the legal process, raised funds and, remarkably, succeeded in purchasing the land themselves before securing protected Village Green Status.
It’s an example of what can happen when local people care deeply about the places where they live.
We were reminded of that community spirit again recently when residents gathered for a summer picnic on the Green. Families shared food, children played beneath the mature trees and neighbours spent time together in the very place they had worked so hard to protect.
Moments like these show that green spaces are about much more than nature alone. They are places where communities grow, friendships develop and people feel connected to where they live.
At the same time, places like The Green provide valuable habitat for wildlife in one of Cheltenham’s more built-up neighbourhoods. Mature trees support birds and insects, while even relatively small green spaces help connect nature through our towns and make them healthier, cooler and more resilient.
As we’ve been discovering through Cheltenham Gardens for Nature, nature recovery doesn’t only happen in nature reserves or the countryside. It also happens in the places woven into our daily lives — our gardens, parks, community spaces and neighbourhood greens.
The Green is now protected for future generations, but its future still depends on the people who care for it. Local volunteers continue to look after the space and are always keen to welcome new members of the community who would like to get involved.
Find out more
The Friends of Fairview Green organise community events and volunteer sessions throughout the year. If you’d like to support their work or find out what’s happening next, keep an eye on their local updates via their Instagram page and join them for a future event.
