‘Centenary Fields’ is a Fields in Trust initiative in partnership with the British Legion, which encourages landowners across the UK to protect green spaces containing a war memorial that has some significance to World War 1.

Following a successful public consultation exercise, the decision to enter into a legal agreement which will see Alexandra Gardens, home to the Welsh National War Memorial, and Grange Gardens, the site of the Grangetown War Heroes Memorial become ‘Centenary Fields’ will be formally taken at a Council meeting next week (April 18^th).

Once entered into, the legal ‘Deed of Dedication’ agreement means that permission for any future developments on the land would need to be granted by Fields in Trust - a charitable organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting parks and green spaces.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said:  “Cardiff has more green space per person than any other UK core city and we’re determined that they are protected for future generations to use and enjoy.”

“A number of the city’s parks are already protected as ‘Fields in Trust’ including Roath Recreation Ground, Moorland Park in Splott, Pontcanna Fields and Llanishen Park and by adding Alexandra Gardens and Grange Gardens to the list we are reinforcing their historical importance as well as their invaluable use as community assets.

“Importantly, this will also establish the parks as honouree sites, recognising the significance of those from local communities who lost their lives in conflict."

The National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens was unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 1928 and commemorates those servicemen who lost their lives in World War 1, it also contains a commemorative plaque for those who lost their lives in World War 2. 

The Grangetown War Heroes Memorial in Grange Gardens was unveiled on 7^th July 1921.  Commissioned at a cost of £1000 it contains the names of local residents who died during World War 1, as well as the names of the members of the committee established to raise funds for its installation.

Fields in Trust Cymru Chairman, Brynmor Williams, said: “We know that parks and green spaces bring health and wellbeing benefits to people throughout Wales. The evidence is now clear: green spaces are good, they do good and they need to be protected for good, so we are delighted that Cardiff Council are protecting Alexandra Gardens and Grange Gardens, as Centenary Fields, commemorating the centenary of World War I for the  local people to use for play, sport and recreation forever. Fields in Trust is committed to protecting more green spaces, so that people throughout Wales, both now and in the future, can continue to benefit from them.”

By entering into a Deed of Dedication the Council is effectively ‘’disposing’’ of the land under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. This legislation requires the Council to advertise its intentions and to give consideration to any representations received from the public in reaching its final decision.

Heath Park, Pontprennau Fields, Hywel Dda Open Space and Rumney Recreation Ground are also protected by Fields in Trust.

To find out more about Fields In Trust, visit:  http://www.fieldsintrust.org/