Pineapple Field: A Major Transformation for Our Community

Baughurst Parish Council is delighted to share the remarkable progress made at Pineapple Field, where months of dedicated volunteer work have completely reshaped and revitalised this important community space. Dense scrub, tangled blackthorn and long‑neglected overgrowth have now been cleared across the entire site, opening up around 2,000 square metres of new usable land and restoring views and pathways that had been hidden for years. The field now feels open, welcoming and full of potential.

This transformation has been driven by a committed group of volunteers, and the Parish Council extends particular thanks to Nigel Williamson, whose skill, enthusiasm, leadership and deep practical knowledge have been central to the success of the project. Nigel has taken on some of the most challenging cutting work by hand, often in difficult conditions, and his contribution has been invaluable.

All cut material has now been professionally shredded, with the chippings reused on parish footpaths, ensuring the project delivers environmental as well as visual benefits. Alongside the clearance work, last year saw the addition of new benches and bleachers, giving families and supporters better places to sit during matches, and a surface‑water squeeze device, to keep the pitch playable during wetter months. These improvements are steadily turning Pineapple Field into a more practical and enjoyable space for youth football and the wider community.

We are now working closely with Tadley Calleva Youth Football Club to enhance the football pitch and to explore how the newly reclaimed space can best support training, matches and community activities. Together, we are also in the early stages of planning improvements to the pavilion, including the addition of catering facilities, a sheltered area and a toilet block, which will significantly increase the usefulness of the site for events and regular sporting activity.

These changes bring real benefits to residents by creating a safer, more accessible and more attractive open space that supports sport, recreation, gatherings and outdoor enjoyment. Looking ahead, the Parish Council will develop a long‑term maintenance plan and continue working with local groups to ensure Pineapple Field becomes a valued and well‑used asset at the heart of village life. The field is available to rent, please contact the Clerk for further details inclding availability and pricing