The Borough Lands

The Charity’s land to the west of Pewsham Way is known as Westmead Open Space and has received lots of attention over the last seven years. Thousands of new trees were planted with help from Chippenham residents, schools and other organisations and these are beginning to take hold. It’s a much loved natural area with a variety of possible paths and routes that are accessed daily by local residents.

Mortimores Wood is both a designated County Wildlife Site and Local Nature Reserve. It is a small area of Ancient woodland with a recorded history extending back over 800 years. Owned by CBLC and managed by the Mortimores Wood Volunteers, it houses a diversity of plant and bird life only found in such old woodlands.

The owl sculpture welcomes visitors to Westmead Open Space and he has been joined by other beautiful wooden statues that were designed by children from Chippenham schools but made by a talented local sculptor. The wooden sculptures form a short woodland trail designed for families to enjoy.

Westmead Open Space car park is free to use, making it a popular launching point for walks and dog outings.  From the car park a network of walking paths radiates across open meadows, along the River Avon, through woodland trails and connects to nearby routes towards Lacock and the restored canal.

Westmead Open Space is home to a wide range of plants, trees and wildlife. Sightings have included birds such as Red Kites, Sedge Warblers, Reed Warblers, Greenfinches and Linnets.

Baydons Meadow is a field beside the river Avon, just a few minutes walk from the centre of Chippenham. Whilst the meadow is owned by CBLC, the continued commitment and work from the Baydons Meadow Volunteer Group has transformed the scrubland into a hay meadow. Many species of butterfly and other invertebrates are seen over the meadow, together with birds in the hedge and trees. A lovely spot for a walk in nature.

The Arc climbing centre is owned by CBLC and operated by The Climbing Academy. The Arc includes interior & exterior rope climbing walls, bouldering rooms, auto-belays, a hardboard and calisthenic training area, party loft for events, private classroom for instructor-led climbing courses and a café open for everyone. The climbing centre was funded from CBLC’s investments together with a £100,000 grant towards the climbing centre from Sport England.

Our bespoke play area, made almost entirely from wood, opened adjacent to The Arc climbing centre, skatepark and café in February 2023. The Arc Park includes a Wildwood Tree House, Hollow Log, Play Hut, Sand Tower with pulley, two slides and many other fun features.

The Arc skatepark is located within The Arc climbing centre complex and was built on Borough Lands with £200,000 investment from Wiltshire Council. It is a free and unsupervised facility.

The Arc Café indoor and outdoor areas are operated by The Climbing Academy and provide a perfect place for relaxing whilst viewing the activities and taking a walk in the nearby Borough Lands. The café is dog friendly. Dogs are welcome inside and on the decking, and must always be under control. Only emotional support or assistance dogs are permitted into the climbing area.

Westmead Lane Car Park is located at the end of Westmead Lane. The car park is ‘pay to park’ via RingGo and is managed by The Climbing Academy. There is an inner section, managed by CBLC, which is reserved exclusively for permit-holders only.

Bank House is a Grade II listed building and serves as the main office for Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.

The Jubilee Building is a Grade II listed property in the Market Place, and home to Wiltshire Citizens Advice on a rent free basis.

Pewsham Community Centre offers an amazing space that can accommodate a wide range of classes, gatherings and celebrations. Our bright and airy hall features a well-equipped kitchen and accessible facilities including toilets. The main hall area provides ample room for larger events and there is also a lovely garden area available for use. Conveniently situated in the heart of Pewsham, the hall is close to shops, amenities and has plenty of free parking available. Hire rates are very reasonable, making it an affordable option for users.