Strawbery Close forever
As featured earlier this year, the campaign to raise £500,000 to save three fields, covering 30 acres, on the east side of Berkhamsted Castle, is continuing apace.
These fields, collectively known as Castle Fields, were saved from imminent development thanks to a philanthropic, interest-free loan of £500,000. They have huge historical significance and bio-diversity potential as well as being a publicly accessible open space for walkers and runners offering spectacular views across Berkhamsted.
Berkhamsted Castle Trust has raised over 25% of the target amount, through community engagement, including runners being sponsored, a concert, walking tours and other public events. This has secured the first objective, enough to pay for the field nearest the railway. On the 1612 map of Berkhamsted, known as The Norden Map, this is referred to as Strawbery Close. This is now owned by Berkhamsted Castle Trust in perpetuity.
The trust is also developing a new community model for furthering the acquisition of the fields using the What3words navigation app. This is a system for identifying every 3m square location on earth using three words. For example, if you stand at the entrance to Berkhamsted Castle, your location would be ‘living.cobras.starlight’. The three fields will be divided up into approximately 14,000 plots, identified by their What3words name, which members of the public can sponsor. Those who have already donated will also be assigned these retrospectively.
Other fundraising events are planned, including street parties, an auction and a concert.