As residents of Bayston Hill, we have had the privilege of enjoying the open green space that the Glebelands has provided since 1949. The Glebelands represents the heart of our village; a playground for our children, a pitch for our sports and games, a safe traffic-free space used by generations of Bayston Hill’s Scouts and Guides, for other crucial activities such as training guide dogs, an area to walk our dogs, and most importantly, a sanctuary to experience nature. The Glebelands is also a space where we hold community events to come together for national celebrations and fundraising events to strengthen our collective identity. 

Sadly on 8th November 2024 the Diocese of Lichfield fenced off the Glebelands bringing to an end the unrestricted access that the community has enjoyed for 75 years, and this valuable community asset is under threat from proposed future developments, instigated and promoted by the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance. Losing the Glebelands will deprive us of the last remaining open space in the heart of our village, affecting the quality of our village life and the well-being of our community. We believe it is our responsibility to safeguard this precious green space for future generations. 

Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of green spaces for mental and physical health, including reducing stress levels, lowering blood pressure, and improving general well-being. Moreover, green spaces like the Glebelands contribute to biodiversity and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing carbon emissions.

We, the residents of Bayston Hill, call on local decision-makers to reject any proposals to develop and instead remove the recently erected fencing and retain the Glebelands as a green space for the benefit of the community. This is not about resisting change. Rather, it is about protecting our communal heritage and preserving the well-being of our village. Our plea is simple and clear: Save the Glebelands, save our green heart. We ask everyone who values green spaces and community life to sign this petition.