Support us from £3/month
We deal with almost 1000 cases a year assisting communities, groups and individuals in protecting their local spaces and paths in all parts of England and Wales. Can you help us by joining as a member?
Our chairman, Tim Crowther, has presented a plaque to the Bishop’s Meadow Trust, Farnham, winner of the society’s first Open Space Award in 2012.
(left to right) Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Patrick Blagden, Jim Munro of Bishop’s Meadow Trust, and Tim Crowther, OSS Chairman. Photo: Farnham Herald
The ceremony was held in the new community orchard, created for local schoolchildren to care for and harvest. The event was combined with a children’s tree-planting and the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Patrick (Paddy) Blagden opened the orchard.
Said Tim: ‘The Open Spaces Society was formed in 1865 by a group of committed and far-seeing individuals in response to the serious threats of enclosure of common land in and around London.
‘The result of the society’s early campaigning efforts was to save many commons, Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath for example, from built development.
‘Now, almost 150 years later, our precious open spaces are under threat as never before. The need to protect them for future generations to enjoy is of paramount importance.
‘The Bishop’s Meadow Trust, which has secured for public enjoyment the future of this wonderful meadow so close to the centre of Farnham, is a shining example of what can be achieved when local people work together with community spirit, commitment and common purpose.
‘The success of the Bishop’s Meadow Trust is here for all to see. And the visionary idea for this community orchard shows clearly that the trust is not resting on its laurels.
‘The Bishops Meadow Trust was the winner of the Open Spaces Society first Open Space Award in 2012. I am here today, on behalf of the society, to present to the trust a plaque in recognition of that achievement.’