Fields in Trust
Analysis
Fields in Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in December 1979, 47 years ago. Its declared purposes cover amateur sport, environment/conservation/heritage and economic/community development/employment, which this site groups under amateur sport and recreation. It says it makes grants to organisations, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending December 2025, Fields in Trust reported income of £1.8m and spending of £1.3m, leaving 25% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £744k to £1.8m (+141%), an average of +25% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2025, when income rose by 135%. Over the whole period it spent 147% of the income it received.
Among 12,174 England and Wales charities whose main cause is amateur sport and recreation and that reported income, Fields in Trust sits at the 99th percentile: it is larger than about 99% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 96th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include The Hunslet Club (£1.8m), Jubilee Hall Trust Limited (£1.8m) and The Boathouse Youth (£1.8m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 64%, charitable activities 11% and investments 6.2%. Charitable activities took 81% of spending and raising funds 15%. Reserves of £741k would cover about 6 months of spending at that rate. It employed 9 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 64%
- Charitable activities 11%
- Investments 6.2%
- Other 19%
In the charity's own words
Fields in Trust protects and improves UK outdoor recreation spaces for future generations. From sports pitches to children's playgrounds, nature reserves and country parks we safeguard green spaces forever and encourage community use and enjoyment. Our work helps improve health and quality of life by securing access to green space for sport, play and informal recreation both now and in the future.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| The Hunslet Club | Leeds | £1.8m |
| Jubilee Hall Trust Limited | London | £1.8m |
| The Boathouse Youth | Lancashire | £1.8m |
| Harrogate Rufc Limited | Harrogate | £1.8m |