Our story:

Holton Pits is a 20-acre open space in Suffolk, UK, which has a mosaic of areas – including a large fishing lake, open acid grassland, wooded paths and sandy cliffs.

For decades these 20 acres of open space have been enjoyed and a home for many. It’s a lovely space that is used regularly – dogs and people love it for walks and it is a great area for kids to explore. A space that is essential to the local community and improves the well-being of locals and visitors alike.

As a former quarry the site is known by all, locally as 'Holton Pits' – it was a surprise when it was suddenly put up for sale by its owner, CEMEX, in September 2022.

In response, the Holton Pits Preservation Group was formed to try and prevent the site from being sold and developed in a manner that might threaten its fragile biodiversity and restrict access for the local community.

The new group were quick to nominate the site as an Asset of Community Value, and this status was granted by East Suffolk Council in November 2022. The group now constituted more formally as the Holton Pits Community Interest Company.

After lots of support and fundraising from the local community, everyone was very pleased that the bid put forward by Holton Pits CIC to buy the site was accepted in May 2023. In November 2023 the sale was completed.

The funds came from generous donations, fundraising activities, and the government's Community Ownership Fund.