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30
May
‘What a celebration!’ Dame Judi Dench hails success of Ouseburn campaign
The actor Dame Judi Dench has hailed a campaign that raised £275,000 in four weeks to create a nature reserve in Ouseburn.
The Upper Ouse Conservation Trust was created to buy Townend Field, a 20-acre site featuring wetland habitats, native woodland and a stream.
The field was among the lots listed as part of the sale of the Kirby Hall estate at Ouseburn.
The trust announced last night (May 29) it had taken ownership of the land.
Dame Judi, whose family has strong connections to the area, lent her support to the campaign and said in a message to the trust:
What a celebration! We’ve saved the field and we’ve saved the [ancient oak] tree. I’m very, very pleased and I shall be raising several glasses of champagne to you all!
The trust plans to open a permissive footpath on the field this year. In recognition of Dame Judi’s support, one of the new routes will be named "Judi’s Walk,” passing by veteran alders, an oak tree and lime trees.
Dame Judi, who played ‘M’ in James Bond films, is a patron of the Woodland Trust.
Next phase
A new fundraising phase has now begun to maintain the traditional stone boundary wall and develop wildlife habitats, whilst continuing sustainable farming on part of the site.
Volunteers are wanted to help with initial work such as removing invasive Himalayan balsam.
The trust is partnering with Great Ouseburn Community Primary School, which will receive half an acre of dedicated outdoor space for the first time in its history.
School children will be able to utilise the natural environment to enhance the curriculum.
Kate Yates, a trustee of the trust and an employee of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said:
This land is already a haven for wildlife — from birds and butterflies to wetland plants and veteran trees. It’s crucial we restore nature in our countryside and there are lots of opportunities here to do just that. We’re delighted that the community shared the feeling and made this happen.
The trust plans to hold a public celebration and official opening this year to thank everyone involved in the campaign.
You can learn more about Townend Field or make a donation here, or visit www.UOCT.org.uk and visit their stand at the annual Great Ouseburn Garden Festival on Sunday 1st June.
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