Community rises up to stop Glastonbury land being lost forever

By Laura Linham 20th Jun 2025

Glastonbury locals aim to save St Edmund’s Well, forming a Community Interest Company to purchase and restore the land.
Glastonbury locals aim to save St Edmund’s Well, forming a Community Interest Company to purchase and restore the land.

A group of Glastonbury residents have launched a grassroots campaign to save a sacred well and protect a much-loved patch of green space from being lost forever.

St Edmund's Well, tucked away off Selwood Road, has long been part of the town's heritage – but now it's at risk. The land it sits on, known locally as Wilf's Field after its former owner Wilf Peddle, could be sold off, and locals fear it may fall into the hands of developers.

Now, neighbours from Windmill Hill have come together to stop that happening. They've formed a Community Interest Company and are hoping to buy the land themselves – not just to protect it, but to bring it back to life.

"We're trying to save something really special," one of the group said. "This is about more than just a piece of land – it's about our history, our environment, and creating something for the future."

The plan? To restore the old orchard with heritage apple trees, protect the sacred spring, and turn the site into a community haven. They want to run forest school sessions for kids, hold workshops on orchard care and biodiversity, and create a peaceful space for events and wellbeing.

They've even got a local farmer lined up to graze animals seasonally to help the ecosystem thrive.

But first, they need to raise the money to buy it – and they're calling on the community to help. Locals can become a 'Friend of St Edmund's Well' for £25 a year, or help fundraise, donate, or volunteer.

"It's a chance to protect a real part of Glastonbury's identity," the group said. "We've already lost so many traditional orchards. This is one we can still save – and make something brilliant with."

Want to help? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

     

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