We wish to create an amazing natural play area which stimulates imaginative play alongside an appreciation of the natural world. Charlea Community Gardens CIC is developing a much needed community open space including community growing, orchard, enhance biodiversity, and a natural play area. There are no community play areas in Brimscombe and Thrupp despite 18% of the community being aged between 0-15. The Brimscombe and Thrupp Neighbourhood Plan highlights the need for places for children to play – “the lack of spaces for children to play was the most highlighted need in terms of open space.” The overall project has now started on site and shortly some 3500 trees will be planted to improve the habitat. We shall then create a pond and community growing area. The community open space will be accessible for those with a disability. We have already raised £17,000 towards the natural play area but need to raise this final additional amount in order to enable a start on site.

What we'll deliver:

• Natural Play Area dispersed across 3 acres of community open space

Why it's a great idea:

Brimscombe and Thrupp Parish has a very strong need for community open space. In the 2023 OCSI Report on Local Insights for Brimscombe and Thrupp the percentage area of green space coverage (i.e. accessible to the public) is only 0.3% of total area compared with 1.6% in Gloucestershire and 2.2% in England. There are no public parks and gardens. In the most recent Output Area Classification 14.9% of the population is classified as ‘Hard Pressed Living’. 10.4% of children aged 0-19 in Brimscombe and Thrupp are in absolute low-income families compared to 10% in Gloucestershire. 18% of the total population are aged 0-15. The Child Mind Institute, a global research organisation, has evidenced the benefits of nature based play as follows – • Builds confidence as there is less structure. • Promotes creativity and imagination. • Teaches responsibility and how to respect the environment. • Provides different stimulation. • Gets children moving. • Makes children think plus reduces stress.

Steps to get it done:

• Natural Play Area completed by 22nd March 2025
• Masterplan design completed 5th November 2024
• Natural Play area designed 5th November 2024
• Tree planting starts by end November 2024
• Site clearance starts 2nd October 2024

Charlea Community Gardens has already attracted significant support including from the Community Ownership Fund, Brimscombe and Thrupp Parish Council, National Lottery, Gloucestershire County Council, University of Gloucestershire, and local companies. We would love your support so that we shall be able to complete the development of the whole project by the end of March 2025. Thank you.