Chippenham Borough Lands
Come and learn some more about us.
Who We Are
We are a place-based charity dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of people in Chippenham through grants, guidance and great places.
We provide funding to individuals and local organisations, care for public green spaces, and invest in projects that strengthen our community and improve the lives of those who live here.
CBLC awards grants focused on welfare and community benefit. Our grants support a wide range of needs from helping individuals with education, mobility, and essential household items, to funding community groups that run local events, provide services, and enhance wellbeing. We offer grants of up to £10,000 a year for organisations, with three funding rounds each year. Our grants for individuals are available all year round.
We steward over 70 acres of green space across Chippenham – the “Borough Lands” of our name. This includes Westmead Open Space and Westmead Playing Field, the latter hosting The Arc climbing centre, skatepark, and outdoor play park – all owned by the charity, though the climbing centre and café are operated by an independent company under lease. These areas also feature accessible paths, tree planting and other walking routes for public enjoyment.
In addition, the charity owns Mortimores Wood and Baydons Meadow, which are managed by volunteer groups who care for and protect these natural spaces.
Our charity manages Pewsham Community Centre and provides affordable or rent-free space to local charities, including Citizens Advice, from our premises in Chippenham town centre. We also run One Chippenham, an online hub connecting residents with local news, events, and community groups.
CBLC has a significant endowment that generates the income used for the benefit of Chippenham. Annually, our investments yield an average income of approximately £600,000, out of which an average of £300,000 is allocated towards grants and financial assistance.
While our current charity was formally established in 1990, our roots go back to a Royal Charter granted to Chippenham by Queen Mary I in 1554. That long heritage continues to inspire our mission: Improving the welfare and wellbeing of our community through grants, guidance and great places.
Feedback From Those We Support
“Couldn’t have been more helpful…amazing to have support like this when you need it most. “
“I’m healthier – mentally and physically – because of the support I received.”
“The invaluable support given by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity has played an essential part in enabling Waste Not Want Not to meet its key aims.”
“Before recieving this grant I was more or less housebound as I couldn’t lift my mobility scooter…I am now able to get out of the house to get my shopping etc. Without their help I would still be in my home relying on others.”
