Judi Dench celebrates after community secures site

The future of a site of natural interest in North Yorkshire has been secured, after being taken over by the local community, campaigners have said.

The Upper Ouse Conservation Trust (UOCT) raised £275,000 in just four weeks in order to purchase Townend Field in Great Ouseburn, near Boroughbridge.

The 20-acre site features wetland habitats, native woodland, a stream and ancient trees including an iconic oak.

Dame Judi Dench, who has family links to the area and lent her support to the campaign, called the achievement a "celebration": "I'm very, very pleased and I shall be raising several glasses of champagne to you all!"

"We've saved the field and we've saved the tree," the Oscar-winning actress said, in a video message.

The UOCT, which was set up by residents in February, will now focus on establishing a nature reserve on the land, the trust said.

"It's a fantastic achievement, but I think the main emotion we're feeling is very thankful," said operations trustee Graeme Jackson.

He said it was a "special area for a lot of people" in the community, highlighting the area's "extremely diverse" range of habitats.

Mr Jackson said those who had contributed to the fund had recognised the importance of "giving the kids half an acre of green space to play in, to give some community access to the place, and to preserve and enhance it for wildlife".

The area will include an area dedicated to nearby Great Ouseburn Primary School, with further fundraising under way to maintain a traditional stone boundary, develop wildlife habitats and create footpaths.

One footpath is to be named "Judi's Walk" in recognition of Dame Judi's support of the project, Mr Jackson said.

"She's been a huge help."

He added: "If you get together and organise, you can do it - because we did!"

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