£50,000 Grant Made to Royal Wootton Bassett Environment Trust

£50,000 Grant Set to Deliver Safer Cycle Routes and an Enhanced Country Park for Royal Wootton Bassett 

Residents of Royal Wootton Bassett are set to benefit from safer wheeled and cycling routes, restored ponds at Coronation Country Park, and improved wildlife habitats thanks to a £50,000 grant awarded to Royal Wootton Bassett Environment Trust by Sustain Wiltshire through the Sustain Operations Community Interest Company (CIC).  

Presented at the Sustain Britain Conference, which was held last Friday at the Sustain Farm Shop and Café, the grant will fast-track two landmark projects: 

• A new Active Travel route linking Saffron Close, Jubilee Lake, and the B4042 Toucan crossing — giving families safer cycling and wheeled access to the town’s sports grounds and the new housing developments at Marsh Farm. 

• Major improvements to Coronation Country Park, including full restoration of its largest pond to boost biodiversity, improve water management and create a welcoming green space for the local community. 

“The £50,000 is a game-changer for the town,” said Dave Gardner, Chair of Royal Wooton Bassett Environment Trust. “100% of it will go directly into delivering safer routes, healthier green spaces, and lasting improvements for both residents and wildlife. It will allow us to advance meaningful projects with eye-catching outcomes.  

“We’re hugely grateful to Sustain Operations CIC for showing real leadership at a time when councils have little money for improvements to amenities or financial support for community groups such as the Trust.” 

Nick Ash, Project Director for Sustain Operations CIC, explained why the grant had been made: “As a local business, supporting community initiatives has always been important to us. Now that Crapper and Sons Landfill Ltd has established the CIC, we have the perfect vehicle to ensure that profits from our operations are passed directly back to worthy community groups and causes. 

“As our first CIC grant, we wanted to provide a meaningful amount that would have real impact in Royal Wootton Basset, aligning with our belief in making communities stronger and more connected. We look forward to seeing the restored Country Park in all its glory, and to playing a part in accelerating a much-needed Active Travel route for the town.”   

Under its plans for the construction of the new Active Travel route, the Environmental Trust aims to work closely with Wiltshire Council. In addition to improving cycle and wheeled access in and around Royal Wootton Bassett, the new route will enhance safety and accessibility for residents living close to the B4042, which is regularly used by Crapper and Sons, and Sustain Operations CIC for waste related movements.  

Looking further ahead, the funding also accelerates the Trust’s vision for a fully connected cycle path network by 2030, which it hopes will receive support from Wiltshire Council to fast-track permissions. Aligned with Wiltshire’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, the Trust believes its Active Travel route will strengthen Royal Wootton Bassett’s position as a model for community-led solutions and climate action.   

The grant will also fund the restoration of the largest pond at Coronation Country Park, which is nearing completion. This adds to support from the Mayor’s Charity fund, and a Wessex Water Foundation Community grant that has enabled restoration work on two other smaller ponds. All three ponds are located on land handed over to the town by housing developer Wain Homes in January of this year.  

Explaining how this is just the start of its ambitions, Gardner said: “We hope this inspires other businesses to step up and support us. With the right backing, we can fill our funding gap and deliver projects that cut emissions, improve wellbeing, protect biodiversity and strengthen the local economy. 

“For us, it’s about creating a town that works better for everyone, with greater accessibility and safer cycle routes that reduce accidents, and lower congestion. Through this work we will be able to give children greater independence alongside improved fitness and wellbeing for all.  

“From three-year-olds on balance bikes to grandparents walking in the park, the funding will allow us to achieve much that has not previously been possible; all while reducing pressure on social services and delivering wider benefits for the local economy.” 

Link to RWB Environment Trust -  https://www.ecorwb.org/