Lancaster University's Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund is a beacon of hope for local projects striving to make a meaningful impact. Established 10 years ago with the foundation of the University wind turbine, the fund supports initiatives that foster community growth and sustainability. Each year, the fund allocates up to £20,000 to Lancaster District-based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations and has created numerous success stories across the area.

We are showcasing some of the successful projects that the fund has supported, and the rejuvenation of the Fairfield Playground is one example. The Fairfield Playground is in the Fairfield area of Lancaster and is heavily used in an area with lots of terraced housing with no gardens. In July 2024, the playground was refurbished with new accessible play equipment and new safety surface flooring.

Mike Stevens, from the Fairfield Association, said, “There is a high density of terraced housing surrounding the site so the green space we provide acts as recreational space for hundreds of local residents who do not have gardens. The playground has become a place where a young person's engagement with the natural world begins, and we’ve had incredibly positive feedback from users.”

Whilst the Fairfield Association has already raised a large amount of money to fund this refurbishment, the Community Benefit Fund helped to contribute towards this. Lancaster University remains committed to empowering more projects like this, encouraging other organisations to apply for the fund and make a lasting difference.