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Green spaces need saving…
they boost health and wellbeing and improve the environment

Somerton's big dream is to save Kirkham Street Field as a community green space

Please help Somerton, a small Market Town in South Somerset to save this green space for the community and future generations.

So, what can this field do for the community of Somerton?

It gives everyone a chance to have fresh air, sunshine, peace, relaxation, community gardening and social interaction… a park for all ages and abilities.

It will also reduce Somerton’s carbon footprint and… give a home to threatened wildlife including garden birds, pollinating insects and native plants.

SO The Trust needs your help and support

INITIAL DESIGN SKETCHES OF KIRKHAM STREET FIELD

These are draft design ideas for Kirkham Street Field which are based on the feedback from the Public Consultation carried out last year (2019), together with suggestions from local garden designers and wildlife experts.

Initially the Field will remain as it is - an open green space - with the potential to develop all or some of the above ideas over time as funding allows.
For example an important feature to begin with, will be the creation of a path for wheelchair/pushchair access. This can be on mesh which can be mowed over with ease and is cost effective in the initial phase of development.
Maintenance is planned to be minimal with the help of volunteers (offers already made) and to be mindful of the neighbours.

This is a simpler design idea which was popular at the Consultation Event in Somerton on 25th and 26th September. Clearly identified features such as a large 'ring' of wildflower meadow linking up the various areas - lots of wildflowers, buzzing insects and waving grasses. Wild woodland area with planted hazel coppice can be for quiet enjoyment and regular coppicing for use in vegetable gardens as bean poles.

The sketches illustrate the Kirkham Street Field’s possibilities as a community green space.

Please note the following features as put forward by the public, which have been designed to be accessible to all and are intended to be DDA compliant and Dementia friendly as far as possible:-

Raised beds for flowers and/or vegetables – community gardening
Sensory planting with winding pathway to promote access for all and fun for children.
The paths will be wheelchair friendly and allow access to as many features of the green space as possible.
The layout is intended to reflect the suggestions from the public by providing variety and to suit all ages, abilities and tastes - for example:-
Flowers, trees and shrub planting to provide sensory enjoyment and encourage wildlife.
Opportunities for play – both child and adult
Nature trail
Meadow area
Open spaces for informal ball games and entertainment/events
Quiet corners for relaxation
Opportunities for horticultural projects/inter generational community gardening.
A new pedestrian entrance from Fairfield to enable easy access.

Any queries can be directed to the Design Group of the Trustees of Kirkham Street Field Community Trust via the Contact Page.

About

The Story of this Field so far…

Kirkham Street Field is a simple agricultural field which has served Somerton for at least a hundred years as a Fair Ground, Cricket Pitch and School playing field.

Kirkham Street Field is 1.5 acres of mowed meadow, with 200+ years of buried seeds, mature trees and invertebrate animals…
Just 150 metres from the town centre with shops, cafes, pubs, bus service…
Kirkham Street Field is currently a school playing field for King Ina Academy (formerly Monteclefe Junior School) due to be replaced by a new school soon.

The Question is

What will happen to The Field when the school moves and it is no longer needed?

Will Kirkham Street Field become a public green space?

Or

will this Field be covered with houses, roads and parking?

Who is trying to save the field?

The aim of the Trust is to save this field as a community green space.
Kirkham Street Field Community Trust was registered with the Charity Commission (number 1185712) in October 2019.
Somerton lacks 3 acres of green leisure space according to the statistics from South Somerset District Council.
Public consultation in May 2019 showed overwhelming support for a park.

Buying Kirkham Street Field for Public Use…
The Facts

Who owns the field now?…Somerset County Council (SCC).
Why is SCC selling the field?…To raise money towards the cost of the new school as agreed with the Department of Education.
The County Council has agreed in turn to sell this field as an asset of Community Value to Kirkham Street Field Community Trust at an asking price of £750,000 by October 2020 before it goes to the open market.
What is the Field really worth? The value of this field lies in its potential as a public green space for the social and environmental benefit of the whole community – what price can you put on that? It is priceless.

Somerton needs this green space for the wellbeing of the Town, for future generations and to help stop climate change before it stops us. It is the last remaining green space in Town!

Donate

The Trust is now working to raise the money from businesses, individuals and grants locally and throughout the UK and beyond.

Please donate with a gift of a lifetime or whatever you can spare.
Every donation counts … big and small.
£10 buys approximately one square-foot of the 1.5 acre field.
750 people donating £1000 each could buy the whole field.
and 7500 people donating £100 each could buy the field.

Join this community to buy the last available green space in the town centre. This gift will benefit future generations in Somerton. If you live far away and care about climate change then join us by donating to save a simple field of grass and trees and more.

The clock is ticking …. 6 months to raise £750,000

Kirkham Street Field Community Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales number 1185712. The principal office is 6 May Pole Knap, Somerton TA11 6HR.

Please donate with a gift of a lifetime or whatever you can spare

Ways to donate…

Step 1

By Bank Transfer

Kirkham Street Field Community Trust bank details are:

Account Name: Kirkham Street Field Community Trust
Sort Code: 60-83-01
Account Number: 20418119

Then please send your details to the Charity’s Treasurer by filling in Step 2 and Step 3 Gift Aid.

By Cheque

Make your cheque payable to Kirkham Street Field Community Trust and post to the Charity’s Treasurer, Gill Locke at 8 Glanvill Road, STREET, BA16 0TN.

Note The Trust would like to record your donation so please send your details in writing with your cheque OR electronically by filling in Step 2 and Step 3 Gift Aid.

By Cash

Donations can be accepted as before by George James - please see details in his window at their West Street Office.

Step 2 Your Details

Please provide your name, address, email address with the method of donation in the boxes below so that we can record your donation.

(Alternatively written details as listed can be posted to the Charity’s Treasurer, Gill Locke at 8 Glanvill Road, STREET, BA16 0TN.)

Step 3 Gift Aid Form

Make Your Donation Worth More

Please print off and return by post

Gift Aid Form

NOTE TO DONORS:
YOUR DATA will be protected by The Trust’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy and GDPR.
SHOULD The Trust be unable to raise enough funds to acquire the field, donations by cheque and bank transfer will be returned to the donor’s account (NB: if you change account details please inform us by email or post to enable us to do this).

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Contact

Call us to talk or offer help... please phone or email us

Email info@kirkhamstreetfield.org.uk

Margaret Chambers Chairperson 01458 272654
Andrew Foyne Vice Chairperson 01458 272879
Judith Hurley Secretary 01458 273079