** Latest News – July 2026 **
A questionnaire regarding possible future usage of parts of the Sports Field was made available in early May. Villagers were asked about their thoughts on specific items and also about alternatives. Only 9 completed questionnaires along with a few emailed general responses were received. The following is a summary of the key input:
- Most people said they would attend a summer fair, organised picnics, car boot sales, music events, food and drinks festivals or one-off similar events. There was reasonable interest in children’s parties but the rest of the events received little support. For the “supported” events only 2-3 people said they would help organise.
- In terms of creating a “community garden/ wild area/picnic area” – about half the responses were positive. Those that were negative were of the view that the outside space should be kept for children’s sporting activities only and that these would be lost if we made any permanent changes to the field. Some thought there was already enough outdoor community type space with Dartmoor being nearby, and others cited the upkeep that would be needed.
- Only one person supported the idea of allotments.
- Other suggested ideas, typically from one or two people, were bike/pump track, scouts, grass tennis courts, table tennis, basketball, badminton, cricket net, outdoor gym, host bonfire night, dog shows, self-sufficient motorhomes and camping area, once a week sporting activity club, kid’s camping, solar panel field, gardening club, local garden waste compost recycling.
We should point out that there was never any intention to give up the sports field areas. The community garden idea was to create a more multi use and interesting space. In the past it has looked a bit sterile. Currently few people other than dog walkers use it. The idea was to keep the nearest half of the field as it is for sporting activities and organised events, the outside perimeter for dog walkers and the furthest half left more as a wilder area with mowed paths, some picnic tables and trees etc. The layout would be much as it currently is with the addition of tables and possibly some trees and shrubs. This probably has reasonable support. Expanding that idea further to incorporate a community type garden area and community allotment seems like a non-starter and would not work without a committed group to propose and look after it.
In summary, there are plenty of ideas but all require a champion and a keen group to make them happen. Clubs and events would bring in much needed funds but they all need organising by someone who would lead and champion. The current efforts to get a classic car club going is a good example – it has one enthusiast who is keen and willing to make it happen.
There are currently not sufficient people involved on the sports field committee to do much other than keep the building clean, functioning and available to anyone who wants to hire or use it and to keep the grass and field area mowed and neat.
The committee will be considering this over the summer. If you do have an interest in being an active committee member and would like to help us work towards making any changes and doing anything to help raise funds then please get in touch.
email us on sportsfield@Lydford.co.uk
Background
The Lydford Sports Field is a large 3 acre open field suitable for football, cricket and other sports along with a sports pavilion which contains a kitchen, seating area, changing rooms, showers and toilets. There is also a children’s play park adjacent to the pavilion. It is run by the Lydford Sports Field Charity which is a registered charity. The kitchen has been recently upgraded and the building electrics have also been improved. The Sports Field and building can be hired out for private or public events. The building is particularly suited to small gatherings of up to about 30 people with a fully functioning kitchen, bar and seating area with a PA system if required. 2 large marquees can also be hired to allow much larger gatherings and events. Most years we host and run the Lydford Summer Fair which raises funds to allow for the continuation of the pavilion, sports field and the groups it supports.
The Trustees hold the property on trust for it to be used for the maintenance and improvement of the physical well being of people resident in the Parish of Lydford. The Lydford Sports Field became part of Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge in 2012 when the Trustees executed Deeds of Dedication. These ensured that the land could not be developed and would remain a public park, playing field and recreation ground in perpetuity. The grounds and pavilion are to benefit the inhabitants of Lydford and thereabouts, and the site was renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Lydford Sports Field.
The Sports Field is a wonderful space and asset for the village. The current committee has only 3 members and we are seeking more people and volunteers to get involved and help us with this new project, and for running the next Summer Fair.
If you have any ideas or are interested in volunteering for the committee, please email us on sportsfield@Lydford.co.uk
2025 Accounts
Total income in 2025 was £5263 (2024 – £1075) and outgoings were £5266 (2024 – £4134) resulting in a loss of £3 for the year (2024 – £3059). Full details and explanation of the accounts are included in the document at the bottom of this page, see Lydford Sports Field Accounts 2025
Current Hire Charges
Documents and Files
Lydford Sports Field Accounts 2025
Lydford Sports Field Accounts 2024
Lydford Sports Field Accounts 2023
Lydford Sports Field Accounts 2023 Audit
Lydford Summer Fair Poster 2025