Heytesbury Recreation Ground Trust

For generations, the parkland in Heytesbury has served as the heart of community recreation for residents of this historic Wiltshire village and its neighbouring settlements. This cherished green space has witnessed countless moments of joy, competition, and camaraderie that have woven together the social fabric of our rural community.

The parkland has proudly hosted Heytesbury's cricket and football teams, which have achieved remarkable success over the decades. The cricket team, in particular, has become a beloved institution, with matches drawing spectators from across the region during summer weekends. Similarly, the football pitch has seen local talent flourish, bringing communities together through sporting excellence and friendly rivalry.

The Sassoon Connection

One of the parkland's most distinguished associations is with the renowned war poet Siegfried Sassoon. Sassoon, who lived at Heytesbury House from 1933 until his death in 1967, was known to walk these grounds regularly. The landscape served as inspiration for his later works, providing solace after his experiences in the Great War. Sassoon's presence has left an indelible mark on Heytesbury, and preserving this parkland helps maintain this important literary and historical connection.

Why Preservation Matters

Today, this precious space faces an uncertain future. As development pressures mount across rural England, we must act decisively to protect this parkland for generations to come. By securing the land:

• We preserve a crucial recreational space in an era when public green areas are increasingly scarce
• We honour the history and traditions of Heytesbury and its surrounding villages
• We ensure children can continue to enjoy outdoor activities in a safe, natural environment
• We protect the biodiversity and environmental benefits the parkland provides
• We maintain an important piece of cultural heritage linked to one of Britain's most significant 20th-century poets

Help Us Safeguard This Legacy

Your contribution, no matter the size, will help us reach our target and secure this parkland in perpetuity. With your support, we can ensure that future generations will enjoy the same opportunities for recreation, community connection, and appreciation of our shared heritage that previous generations have treasured.

Please donate today and become part of Heytesbury's proud legacy.