Duckworth Trust secures a positive future for Chapter Meadows
The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust (DWT) is delighted to announce
that it has secured the long-term stewardship and security of the iconic
riverside Chapter Meadows site through its sale to local philanthropist
Tom Greenway and his publishing company 3dtotal Publishing. For over 25
years Chapter Meadows has been in the hands of the DWT and in this time
the trust has undertaken work to enhance and maintain its ecological
value and has provided infrastructure for the people of Worcester to
utilise and enjoy this important greenspace. Due to some significant
challenges over the last few years, the Trust has had to close down some
of its operations and it has been very keen to secure a positive future
for the site. Tom is very keen to carry on the legacy of the DWT and
recognizes how important this site is to the people of Worcester and to
nature. Tom is seeking to continue the environmentally sensitive
grazing regime at the site and he is looking at how he can enhance the
site's ecological value and public enjoyment by working alongside local
volunteer groups such as the Worcester Environmental Group (WEG).
Beatrice
Duckworth, the wife of the late Cecil Duckworth, founder of the trust
said: “We were pleased to sell the site to Tom, as like Cecil, he is a
successful local businessman wanting to make a positive impact for
nature and people, we looked at a number of options and we feel that the
site is in a very safe pair of hands for the future.”.
In addition to securing a safe future for the site, the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust has committed to distribute all of the funds received from the sale to local projects and community groups. In the next few months, the Trust plans to set up a community grant scheme offering grants that will focus on enhancing the natural environment and promoting sustainable living. The trust sees this as a positive way to continue contributing to environmental improvements and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
