Belper Community Land Trust

Aim

Preserve woodland habitat behind Belper Community Hall to maintain wildlife corridor and guarantee public right of way for community

A piece of land -approximately 3/4 of an acre- to the rear of the Belper Community Hall had been put up for sale by public auction on the 29th of June 2023 by Derbyshire County Council, this has been postponed and awaiting confirmation of revised date. 

This woodland has previously been left in its natural state for over 50 years - flourishing and supporting an ecosystem and microclimate that is a welcome retreat for dog walkers and families alike - which has become an 'unofficial nature reserve' loved by many. 

The land is also used by locals as an unofficial footpath from the A6 to the Belper Cricket, Rugby, and Football Clubs, and the River Derwent, a route which would be threatened if the land is put into private ownership.

Help raise funds to purchase the land and preserve it as a space  for wildlife and the community!

Belper Community Hall is a registered Charity (No 1078761) and has launched an appeal via our Belper Community Hall Facebook Page to save the Woodland from development. Many Belper residents and interested parties are keen to make a financial contribution to support the  preservation of this natural habitat for the town's residents and visitors.

Time is of the essence to raise sufficient funds to secure this woodland space.

We want this woodland to remain for the benefit of all Belper residents and held in such a way as to prevent any future development which would destroy what is a wonderful community asset used by locals and visitors alike. There are too few spaces in our built environment where wildlife and humans thrive alongside each other - this is a truly special space with many benefits for all if left to remain wild. Over-development of our beloved town is a huge concern and our community is passionate about making a stand to not allow this open space to be sold off to the highest bidder for personal gain.

The aim is for the land to be purchased at the auction and for a social enterprise to be registered as Belper Community Land Trust - to own and manage the land for perpetuity. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and other trusted environmental leaders are being consulted to assist with this. 

We need access to a large amount of money, to ensure we can bid against wealthy individuals and cover costs incurred in the process.

We are calling on our community and stakeholders to make generous donations to this cause that lies close to the hearts of many. If successful in our mission, we will set up a plaque to thank all contributors. 

If sadly we are outbid and the land is lost to the community - we will issue refunds minus handling charges or re-donate money to Belper Community Hall and Hope for Belper Food Bank so they can continue to support local families and retain a valuable community resource . 

Your love for the land and generosity is warmly welcomed and hugely appreciated.

Can you help? Any donation, however small will be welcome, as we are aware that significant contributions will be needed quickly to secure this land for our future.

Every pound that you can spare is really helping us out towards costs and getting the project off the ground. We’d like to thank all of you for your contributions.

NB: Funds raised will initially be paid into Belper Community Hall Bank Account which is a registered Charity and then will transfer to Belper Community Land Trust,  once registered, speed was of the essence to create the Crowd Funding bid and go live with sufficient time to raise funds before the proposed Auction on 29th June..

FAQs

What happens if we raise more than our target?

If we are successful and raise more than our target we will use the funds raised towards legal fees to establish the community asset and to get the longer term project off the ground.

Why have you set up the campaign as 'Keep what you raise'?

We have set the campaign up as a 'Keep what you raise' because some large pledges have been made outside of the Crowdfunder fundraising platform.

This project successfully funded on 17th August 2023