Fields in Trust facts for kids
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| Founded | 1925 |
|---|---|
| Founder | King George VI |
| Type | Charity |
| Registration no. | 306070 (England and Wales) SC040357 (Scotland) |
| Focus | protection of recreational green space |
| Location |
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Area served
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UK |
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Patron
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The Prince of Wales |
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Chair of Trustees
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Jo Barnett |
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Chief Executive
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Helen Griffiths |
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Employees
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15 |
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Formerly called
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NPFA National Playing Fields Association |
Fields in Trust is a British charity that protects parks and green spaces. It was started in 1925 as the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA). Brigadier-General Reginald Kentish and the Duke of York, who later became King George VI, helped create it. King George VI was also its first president.
The charity works to make sure everyone in British towns and cities has places to play, do sports, and relax outdoors. Fields in Trust also legally protects the King George's Fields. These are 471 public recreation areas set up to remember King George V.
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History of Fields in Trust
The charity began in 1925 as the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA). It was founded by Brigadier-General Reginald Kentish and the Duke of York. The Duke of York later became King George VI and was the first president.
This connection to the Royal Family continued for many years. Queen Elizabeth II was the Patron from 1952 until her death in 2022. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was President from 1947 until 2013. His grandson, William, Prince of Wales, took over as President in 2013. Prince William became the charity's patron in 2024.
Fields in Trust became an official charity through a Royal charter in 1932. The International Olympic Committee gave the organization the Olympic Cup in 1931. This award recognized their important work in creating playing fields across Great Britain.
The charity's main decisions are made by its Council, which meets four times a year. Fields in Trust also works with many other groups. Its members include local councils, schools, sports clubs, and individuals. In 1972, the charity supported a campaign called Fair Play for Children. This campaign pushed for more places for children to play safely.
Fields in Trust helps set rules for playgrounds in the UK. They created the Six Acre Standard. This standard is a guide for local councils when they plan new housing areas. It helps them decide how much play space should be included. Fields in Trust also advises the UK government on changes to school playing fields.
Goals and Standards for Green Spaces
Fields in Trust first made recommendations for outdoor playing space in 1925. Their goal was to make sure everyone in Great Britain could easily find places for outdoor activities. They wanted people to have these spaces close to their homes.
The charity asked all local councils to provide at least 5 acres (2 hectares) of public open space for every 1,000 people. At least 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of this space was meant for team games, tennis, bowls, and children's playgrounds.
Fields in Trust regularly checks and updates these recommendations. The standard is now called the Six Acre Standard. It suggests that there should be at least 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of recreational space for every 1,000 people.
In 1992, the charity updated its recommendations to include the Children’s Playing Space Standard. This part of the Six Acre Standard specifically focuses on the need for enough play areas for children.
Protecting Land for Everyone
Fields in Trust helps manage and protect over 2,800 parks, playing fields, and nature reserves across the UK. They make sure these places are always used for their charitable purpose. In total, Fields in Trust helps protect over 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) of land.
In the 1920s and 1930s, many of these sites received money from the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust. This funding was given on the condition that the land would always be public playing fields. Fields in Trust works with many national and local groups to achieve its goals.
King George's Fields Memorials
Fields in Trust also acts as the Trustee for the King George's Fields Foundation (KGFF). This Foundation was created in 1936 to remember King George V. Its main goal was to help create playing fields across the UK. Each of these fields would be called ‘King George’s Field’. They would also have a special sign or plaque to honor the King.
A "playing field" was defined as any open space used for outdoor games, sports, and fun activities.
These playing fields started from an appeal launched after King George V died in 1936. Instead of paying for a few large projects, the Foundation gave smaller grants to many fields. Local councils or other groups then raised the rest of the money and took care of the fields. Most of these groups signed an agreement. This agreement stated that the recreation ground would always be a memorial to King George V. It would also be known as a 'King George’s Field'.
In 1965, the charity became the official trustee of the Foundation. This change also allowed them to focus on "preserving" the King George’s Fields.
The Six Acre Standard Explained
The Six Acre Standard helps land use planners make sure there is enough open space. This space allows people of all ages to play sports and games. It especially focuses on making sure children have access to playgrounds and other play areas.
The standard suggests that for every 1,000 residents, there should be 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of recreational land. Of this, 4 acres (1.6 hectares) should be for outdoor sports and recreation, including parks. The remaining 2 acres (0.8 hectares) should be for children's play, with some of it being equipped playgrounds.
Fields in Trust's publication, The Six Acre Standard, gives more details. It includes different types of play spaces for children.
Updated Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play
Fields in Trust re-released the Six Acre Standard in 2015 with a new name: Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play. This is an online guide for planners in the UK. It has been updated to include modern planning rules and new topics like protecting the environment. These areas are now part of "Open Space," which is seen as a valuable community asset. Laws protect these spaces.
Children's sports fields on school land are not usually listed as "Open Space." They are not protected by the same laws. However, if a school wants to change how its land is used, it needs approval from the local or national government. Local communities can challenge these government decisions.
Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge
The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge was a program run by Fields in Trust. In Scotland, it was called the "Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge." This program aimed to protect outdoor recreational spaces across the UK. It created a lasting legacy to celebrate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Presidents of Fields in Trust
The National Playing Fields Association has always had a close connection with the Royal Family. Members of the Royal Family have served as patrons and presidents since 1925.
Presidents:
- George VI 1925–1948
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1948–2013
- William, Prince of Wales 2013–2025
- Jill Scott 2025–Present
See also
- List of King George V Playing Fields
- Urban planning
- Gyro International, established 1912, sponsor of playgrounds in Canada and the United States
