Richmond Community - ROSA

Richmondshire open spaces appeal - ROSA

rosa Richmond is a town with breath-taking scenery on its doorstep. From every vantage point in the town there are stunning views of the river, open countryside and hills beyond. Residents and visitors alike enjoy beautiful walks right from the centre of the town. We believe this is what makes Richmond one of the most beautiful towns in England!

Open Spaces Under Threat

Many of the open spaces in and around Richmond were owned by Richmondshire District Council. These included historic open pastures, and land adjoining the river Swale. The largest of these open spaces were put up for sale by the Council. Residents in Richmond (and beyond) were very concerned to protect these open spaces which are currently freely accessible to local residents and tourists. A Charitable Trust (the Richmondshire Landscape Trust) has been set up to buy these lands from the Council, and preserve them for ever more.

Which Areas Are Under Threat?

There are approximately 88 acres in total which include the following five areas of land.


The Westfield: This is a large area of open access land to the west of the town and adjoins the Coast-to-Coast footpath.	South Bank: The area South of the river in between the falls and the Mercury Bridge.

Sleegill: This is the open land to the south of the river facing the castle.	Jack King's Wood: An area of woodland at the edge of the Westfield.
	Reeth Road Field OS9100: This is a large field next to the cemetery and the Westfield. Click the map to enlarge

What We Have Achieved So Far?

Negotiations began with Richmondshire District Council in December 2003. The Council agreed to sell the designated lands to the Trust at a reduced price of £120,000 payable over 3 years. The Trust has set up an appeal committee – Richmondshire Open Spaces Appeal (ROSA)– to try and raise this money over the three years. The first £40,000 was raised through a mixture of donations, fund raising events, and interest free loans, and the Trust purchased the land in January 2005.

We need your help NOW!

Although the Trust now owns freehold of the land, the areas are not secure until the full payment of £120,000 has been made to the Richmondshire District Council. ROSA needs to continue its efforts to ensure the open spaces in Richmond are protected for generations to come.

Fund Raising

Past fundraising events include-

Christmas Carols at St. Nicholas
An Easter Egg Hunt on the Westfield
A Charity Auction
Pop & folk concerts, celeidhs
Market Hall Coffee mornings
Film shows of Richmond in bygone years
Garden parties / charity lunches

You can find out about future ROSA events by looking at the Richmond On-Line what’s on pages

How can you help?

1. Become a member.

Please complete this form (pdf 48kb)

Members will receive regular updates, newsletters and invitations to fund-raising events.

2. Send a donation.

All donations are very welcome! Please complete this form. If you are a UK taxpayer please tick the Gift Aid box. Using Gift Aid means that for every pound you give, we can get an extra 28 pence from the Inland Revenue, helping your donation go further.

3. Organise a fund raising event.

However big or small we would love to hear your ideas - the more creative the better!

4. Give an interest-free loan.

We are asking if residents and businesses are willing to give the Trust an interest-free loan to meet the target of £40,000. Minimum loan £500. All loans repayable on demand with 3 months notice.. All loans will be automatically repaid on reaching the fund raising target of £120,000. Please contact Gordon Love on 0191-334-3696 to discuss.

5. Donations in kind.

We will welcome any donations, either services in kind, or goods suitable for prizes or a charity auction.

If you would like to become involved in either fund raising, or managing the land, then please contact Stuart Parsons (Publicity Officer) Tel: 01748 823456