Denis' Field, Todmorden

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Although Denis' Field has in recent years been considered for housing development, it has now been fully removed from Calderdale Council's local plan, following the recommendation of Katie Child, Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in her report published in January 2023.  You can see the Inspector's full report here.  This decision followed several years of debate, including lots of voices in the local community telling Calderdale and the Inspector that Denis' Field is a valuable community green space and wildlife habitat. The field has been a public recreation and community green space for at least 30 years. It’s used year-round by diverse communities of local people – with deer, bats and goldfinches also regular visitors.  Since May 2020 the site has been recognised by Calderdale Council as an Asset of Community Value.  
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The Orchard (developed through local funding) is now looked after by the local community gardening group. The apples, plums and pears are available to all. Wildflower areas are currently being developed around the field perimeter to encourage wildlife.

The Denis’ Field Friends and Growers group has been established to provide a focus for the development of the site.  We aim to improve the site for the public to enjoy, to develop the biodiversity of the site, encourage more people to use it, and work with the Council and other bodies to improve the site in line with its status as an Asset of Community Value. 

Funding
Since 2020 the Denis’ Friends and Growers Group have successfully applied for funding. The group is very grateful for financial support from the following:
  • The National Lottery (Community Fund)
  • Todmorden Town Council
  • Calderdale Metropolitan Council
  • The National Garden Scheme
This support has enabled the Denis Friends and Growers Group to purchase considerable amounts of gardening materials, new fruit trees, signage for the site and has enabled the group to run community events, such as the Queen’s Jubilee Open Day in 2022.

Many children using Denis' field can get here safely without crossing the main roads – essential in Todmorden, as many houses near to the field don’t have gardens. Football and other games are a regular feature. Older children in 11-18 age group also use the field, and parents and toddlers. Dog walkers use the space all day and all year round, whatever the weather.