This is the web edition of the print newsletter being delivered to houses in the area this month.
Fairfield Memories — Celebrating 30 years of the Fairfield Association
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Fairfield Association this year, we are gathering the memories and photos of local residents describing what the area was like during this period, and before. We hope to collect as much oral history as we can, as as a tribute to the residents and volunteers who have made the area such a special one to live in. If you have a story to tell, we would love to hear from you.
BBC Make A Difference Award
We were thrilled to win the Green Category in the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2025. This award belongs to everyone who has grafted (both figuratively and literally) over the last three decades, as well as everyone who has attended an event or supported the Association in any way. Here’s to another successful 30 years!
Fairfield Playground Update
New benches
After a short delay, new benches have been installed at the playground. These are an updated design that should not be so vulnerable to water damage and rot (although the previous ones had done very well to last over 20 years!)
Little Free Library
We are now exploring the possibility of placing a Little Free Library — a small library cabinet, which is accessible by children — outside the toddler area. Children will be able to choose a book to read (whether on the benches at the playground, or at home) and bring back another day. We are currently asking for small donations to help pay for the cabinet. Find out more about the Little Free Library and how to donate.
Report issues
As always, if you see anything that you think needs reporting at the playground, please email:
Fairfield Cycle Hub
Work continues on the new Cycle Hub. At the original time of writing, the new hangar had been installed but there are still some snags to iron out with the tool-stand. Hopefully, by the time you read this, we will be fully operational! We will be allocating spaces soon: if you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email:
Community Events
Our annual Christmas Eve carol singing raised £203 (to go towards the cost of the Little Free Library) with a record turnout of carol singers. Thanks to everyone who came along or contributed.
Easter Egg Hunt
Our next event will be the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Orchard on Easter Sunday, 5 April from 2.00-4.00pm. Come along and join us for tea and cakes; live music; children’s crafts, games and stories; and of course, the Egg Hunt. We are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day: if you are able to help, please email Bethany via: .
Nature Reserve Update
Improving the paths
Thanks to all who responded to our online consultation about paths. Following site visits with contractors, visually-impaired people and wheelchair users, we have created a plan to bring our paths back up to standard, getting rid of trip hazards, and improving accessibility with better gates, passing places, and space for wheelchairs by benches. We have just submitted a funding proposal and, if successful, we hope that work will be completed by spring 2027.
Lucy Brook restoration
We have secured funding to create a series of ponds alongside Lucy Brook to increase biodiversity in the area. The work is expected to start in the autumn; a botanical survey will take place beforehand, so that we can measure the impact of the work. More details on the Lucy Brook Restoration Project webpage.
Hedge-laying
This winter, hedge-laying has continued and our volunteers planted saplings along the hedge line in West Field with the aim of improving the habitat for birds and small mammals. Thanks to our many volunteers, the bird-feeding table continues during the winter months. A ‘Breeding Bird Talk’ by Dan Haywood revealed that there are 140–160 breeding birds in the Nature Reserve of 40–50 different species.
iNaturalist
Everyone is invited to help record wildlife and plant observations in the Nature Reserve and Orchard using the free iNaturalist app. So far we have recorded 433 different species; we would love to make it 500 by the end of the year. For more information see our online guide to using the app.
Fairfield Calendar
We are currently looking for photos for the next Fairfield Calendar. Submit your best pictures of the Nature Reserve from any season in 2025/2026 — no need to be a pro, as long as your images are good quality, we want to see them! Photos should be landscape only, minimum 3600 x 2600 px. All the details and a link to our online submission form can be found on the Fairfield Calendar webpage.
We are also looking for somebody with marketing skills to help advertise and promote the calendar in Lancaster later this year. If you think you could help, please email:
Upcoming Meetings
The next regular Fairfield Association meeting will take place on Tuesday 21 April at 7.30pm at the Tite & Locke. These monthly meetings are open to all, and newcomers are always welcome. Details of all events and meetings can be found in the online calendar.
Join the Volunteers
Our volunteers regularly maintain and enhance the Nature Reserve. We meet at the Orchard Stump Circle on Wednesdays from 9.30am and the second Saturday of each month from 10.00am. If you would like to join us, email: .
No previous experience is necessary; we are proud of our record of developing our volunteers’ skills, including hedge-laying, scything, fruit tree management and fencing.
Support the Fairfield Association
Community Membership
Community membership is free: join up if you want to get involved and hear from us about news and events. Community Members now also receive an e-news bulletin every two months. Become a member.
Fairfield Friends
Fairfield Friends are members who make regular donations that provide our charity with a regular revenue stream.
Find out how to become a Friend, make a donation, or even leave us a legacy.
Already a Fairfield Friend? Your annual payment may be due. Our preferred method is by setting up a Standing Order, but you can also pay by cheque or BACS transfer. See all payment details and information.
Antisocial behaviour
Please help us to keep our Playground and Nature Reserve safe and happy places for children. If you see antisocial behaviour, or children being intimidated, bullied, or treated in ways that you find worrying, please: 1) phone the Police on 101 and 2) let us know by emailing the Fairfield Association: