Join us on the Green! Whether you’re attending a community event or getting hands-on at a volunteer working party, everyone is welcome.
Bentley Green is a community-led project to transform Bentley’s Old Recreation Ground into a welcoming green space for people and nature.
Our plans are being shaped by local views, ecological evidence and the character and history of the site. The long-term vision includes a community orchard, richer wildlife habitats and simple, informal spaces where people can spend time outdoors, learn, volunteer and connect with others.
Bentley’s Old Recreation Ground is a historic four-acre site with longstanding links to village life.
In 1857, the land was formally set aside for the exercise and recreation of people living in Bentley and the surrounding area. Over the years it has been used for grazing, cricket, village events and other community purposes. More recently, the site had become underused, prompting local residents to consider how it might once again benefit the wider community.
A small group began exploring the possibility of creating a community orchard and nature-focused green space. Before developing a formal proposal, we wanted to understand what local people thought, what they valued about the site and what concerns would need to be addressed.
“A shared green space, shaped by the community and cared for with the future in mind.”
• Opening days and times are subject to volunteer availability. Please check our latest updates before making a special journey.
Supported wider community use or were open to exploring change.
Supported a community orchard or shared growing space.
Supported green space and nature.
Expressed an interest in volunteering.
The consultation showed strong interest in an informal, accessible and nature-focused space. Orchard planting, wildlife habitat, simple paths and seating, quiet enjoyment and opportunities for learning were among the most frequently supported ideas.
People also raised important concerns, particularly around maintenance costs, safety, traffic, parking and the risk of anti-social behaviour. A minority of respondents preferred the site to remain available for grazing.
These views continue to inform the project. Our approach is therefore intended to be gradual, financially realistic and sensitive to the rural character and existing ecology of the site.
The consultation did not prescribe a finished design. It provided an evidence base for exploring the idea further.
Preliminary ecological work identified valuable existing habitats, including grassland, hedgerows, wet ditches and ponds. It also showed why future changes must be carefully planned and informed by appropriate surveys.
Following the consultation, ecological assessment and presentation of the proposal, Bentley Parish Council agreed that the project could move forward. The work is now being developed in stages, with further surveys, planning, fundraising and community involvement informing what happens next.
Treasurer
Community Orchard Lead
Communications and Grant Application Lead
Fundraising Lead
Education Lead
Volunteer Lead
Heritage Lead
Vacancy
Would you like to join the team? We welcome people who can share their time, skills or experience to help Bentley Green develop and thrive. Email hello@bentleygreen.uk to volunteer.
Bentley Green is committed to responsible decision-making, clear financial management and open communication with the community. This library brings together the documents that guide our work, including consultation findings, ecological assessments, site plans, meeting records and key policies.
You can also use it to follow the project’s progress, see how plans are developing and find the latest reports and updates from the steering group.
Click on a document icon to open the relevant folder in Google Drive, where you can view or download the latest files.
• Bentley Recreation Ground Green Space Proposal
• Full consultation survey results
• Consultation event materials
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
• Habitat and species surveys
• Soil and grassland assessments
• Other ecological reports
• Project master plan
• Community orchard plan
• Planting and habitat proposals
• Project updates
• Monthly steering group minutes
• Annual reports
• Supporting papers and progress reports
• Constitution
• Safeguarding policy
• Privacy policy
• DEI policy
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