Borehole / Sustainable Water for the Sports Field

Aim

The installation of a borehole will minimise the impact of climate change by providing water on the cricket and croquet playing areas.

Who are we?

The organisation is a registered charity that manages a valuable community sports facility in the village of Bardwell. Established in 1968, the site was designated the Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field following the Golden Jubilee in 2012. The associated Deed ensures that the facilities remain available for sport and recreation in perpetuity.

The charity is governed by a committee of trustees comprising six members elected annually from village residents, together with two representatives nominated by Bardwell Cricket Club, Bardwell Parish Council, and other organisations that regularly use the facilities.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We want this project to proceed because it directly supports the long-term sustainability of Bardwell Playing Fields and the wellbeing of our community, with a particular focus on maintaining safe playing conditions for junior and women’s cricket. The cricket square, outfield and newly prepared croquet lawn all require regular watering to remain safe, playable and visually appealing. For younger players and women’s teams especially, consistent and well-maintained surfaces are essential to reduce the risk of injury and to ensure the game can be enjoyed with confidence. Hard, cracked, or uneven ground created by prolonged dry periods can significantly increase safety risks for fielders and batters alike.

Increasingly dry summers associated with climate change are placing these surfaces under pressure. Grass is struggling to survive, soil is eroding, and rainfall is running off rather than being absorbed into the ground. Without reliable irrigation, playing areas can quickly become dry, compacted and uneven. Installing a borehole will provide a dependable and sustainable water source, helping to maintain healthy, resilient turf that offers a softer, more even surface—supporting safer conditions for junior players, women’s cricket, and all users of the field.

This project will also strengthen and support the work of our volunteers. With dependable irrigation, their efforts in grass seeding, pitch preparation and ground maintenance will be far more effective, enabling them to care for the facilities to a higher standard. The result will be improved, safer sporting facilities that can be enjoyed by the whole community—from junior development and women’s cricket to competitive matches and social croquet. By ensuring the grounds remain safe, welcoming and well maintained, the project will encourage participation, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and foster a strong sense of pride and ownership within our village.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The funds raised will contribute towards the cost of installing a borehole and the associated equipment. Sport England has awarded a grant of £7,200 towards the project, conditional on the remaining balance being secured through this crowdfunding campaign. 

We are therefore seeking to raise a further £10,200 to enable the project to proceed.

Community impact

Bardwell is a small community of around 850 residents who enjoy the facilities at the Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field, either by participating in one of the village’s successful sports teams or by using the site as a social venue. The grounds are complemented by a new pavilion, which includes a bar and café and serves as a welcoming meeting place for local activities and events.

The facilities are open to all members of the public, and everyone is warmly welcomed to use and enjoy the space.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 17th July 2026 at 5:07pm