Padfield residents secure ‘green heart’ of village for future generations.

After years of hard work, dedication and community spirit, local charity Padfield Community Spaces (PCS) is delighted to announce their successful purchase of Temple Street Field.

The group have worked tirelessly to officially secure the green space at the centre of their village, for the enjoyment of local residents and the protection of nature, for generations to come.

“It is a truly fantastic feeling,” said Pete Tomlin, Chairperson of PCS. “Achieving our goal of purchasing the land on behalf of the community has been a monumental effort by so many people. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed their enthusiasm, donations, ideas, and time to make this possible.”

The journey began years ago when concerned residents came together to form a limited company, POGS Ltd, which stepped in swiftly to prevent the sale of the land to private interests. Their dedication ensured that Temple Street Field would remain a community asset. PCS was then created as a charity to inherit that vision and continue to grow it on behalf of the residents and nature.

Padfield Community Spaces is entirely volunteer-run, and this milestone marks a significant step toward realising the community’s vision for the site; which was shaped by public consultations with residents and includes restoring scrub habitat, planting a community orchard, making the site accessible, and increasing biodiversity.

The purchase and initial works were funded by a number of organisations, including the UK Government Community Ownership Fund, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Foundation Derbyshire and High Peak Borough Council’s Climate Change Action Fund.

The team extended their thanks to local councillors Ollie Cross and Damien Greenhalgh, as well as former and current MPs Robert Largan and Jonathan Pearce, for their continued advocacy and support in navigating the purchase process.

Over the coming months, residents will notice more activity on the field as PCS begins essential work to make the site safe and accessible. Preparatory works will include initial site clearance, tree works and installing new fencing, gates, and benches. During this period, access will be limited to PCS-coordinated activities only, but the site is expected to fully open to the public at some point in 2026.

“We know everyone is eager to explore the field, and we share that excitement,” said Pete. “These preparations will help ensure the field is safe, welcoming, and sustainable for long-term use.” PCS will soon be advertising volunteering opportunities for those who wish to have a hand in shaping the future of the field by taking part in these preparatory field works.

To hear more about the plans for Temple Street Field, PCS is hosting a free community event in collaboration with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, on Wednesday 12th November, at Padfield Chapel, between 6:30–7:30pm. For more information, questions, or to get involved, visit www.padfieldspaces.com.

Photo Credit: Adam Johnson