Developing Hartford's Green Field
The Green Field is located behind the Chester Road shops in Hartford, and includes the allotments, herb beds, grass field, orchards and Pavilion. Find out about our plan to enhance the Green Field.
The Green Field: a village treasure
Often described by residents as ‘a little gem in the heart of our village’, the Green Field (see red pin on map) is a beloved local space. Hartford Parish Council recognises its value, and its potential to become an even more vibrant, welcoming area, for all ages and abilities.
We’re committed to retaining the existing features (e.g. allotments, herb beds, goalposts, war memorial, Pavilion etc), however, we want to develop more of the space to offer a wider range of facilities that as many residents as possible can access and enjoy. These additional features will be sympathetic to the environment and mindful of residents adjacent to the Green Field.
Recent enhancements
In recent years, we’ve already made significant improvements to the Green Field area, supported by fantastic efforts and invaluable guidance from local volunteers, plus with significant financial support from Hartford Civic Society. This has helped deliver lots of positive changes, which include:
- Improved accessibility: installation of a hard compacted footpath from the Occupation Roads off Chester Road and The Green to the Pavilion, complete with solar lighting and benches
- Green spaces and biodiversity: Herb beds, bushes and perennials planted along the footpath, and a community orchard with apple, plum, pear and cherry trees
- Pavilion refurbishment: The old Pavilion has been fully refurbished to create an accessible space for Hartford Cycle Hub and Allotment users (Plotters), plus a community space (for hire) for various groups to use. Groups using the space already include Coffee and chat, NSPCC Lets play, and Sole Sisters running club. All areas now have access to a utility area with water, toilets, and accessible changing facilities. A new terrace has been added to increase usable outdoor space, and a shelter/canopy is due to be added soon, ensuring the outdoor space can be enjoyed in all weather conditions. Eco-friendly, economical solar panels have been added to the building.
The plan for the Green Field
Hartford Parish Council has established a working group to explore development ideas for the Green Field. The development plan focuses on:
- Adding space for Blue Badge parking, to improve accessibility
- Adding an accessible path around the perimeter of the field, for anyone who wants a relaxing stroll, and for young children to practice cycling (path width to accommodate both)
- Rewilding areas around the perimeter of the field, planting more native trees and bushes, and creating wildlife habitats, to add beauty and boost mental health and well-being
- Adding an accessible gardening area, to support those with restricted mobility
- Creating a memorial garden, integrated with the existing war memorial, providing a peaceful place for quiet reflection
- Adding a facilities base to support the work of the Hartford Parish Council gardener/handyperson
In Autumn 2025, we conducted a survey to gain residents’ feedback on the plan. All elements of the plan received a very positive response from survey respondents.
We are now refining the plan and will keep you posted on progress. We hope you will start to see the plans coming to fruition in 2026. Stay tuned for more information!
