Hurdlemead Field

Welcome to Hurdlemead Field

Nestled between Elwell Street and Church Lane, this open field is a cherished spot for locals in Upwey.

Local Landmark

Community Space

Often called Hurlingmead, this open area invites families and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors together.

The field known as Hurdlemead (also spelled Hurdlemeade) is privately owned farmland, rather than council-owned land.

While the specific names of private landowners are not typically made public outside of Land Registry documents, current local planning records and community reports provide the following details regarding its status:

• Ownership Status: It is categorized as "active farmland" with restricted community access. Use of the field (beyond the established public footpaths) officially requires the owner's permission.

• Management & Usage: Historically, the owners have been supportive of the community. They have allowed the Upwey Society to use the field for major village events, such as the annual Guy Fawkes bonfire and fireworks display (though this has been cancelled in recent years due to ground conditions and flooding).

• Protection: Under the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan (2024–2026), Hurdlemead has been formally nominated and accepted as a Local Green Space. This designation recognizes its value as an "important open gap" that prevents the merging of the two historic parts of Upwey and protects it from future development, even though it remains in private hands.

• Footpaths: There are five long-standing public footpaths that cross the field, which remain open for public use by law, connecting Elwell Street and Church Lane.

• Usage: Historically, it has served as a central green space for the village. In the mid-20th century, it was a popular playground for local children, used for cricket, football, and playing among haystacks during harvest time.

• Geography: It is a low-lying area with a central watercourse (the River Wey runs nearby), effectively separating the Elwell Street side of the village from the historic Manor and Church side.

• Significance: It remains an important "gap" in the village's linear layout, preserving the semi-rural character of Upwey by preventing the two main historic clusters of buildings from merging.

Historical Context: In the mid-20th century, it was frequently used for village "Big Affairs" and sports. Local historical accounts often mention it being associated with nearby farms, such as Bayard Farm, which traditionally moved livestock and "muck-spread" across the field.

Hurdlemead Field

A spacious open field nestled between Elwell Street and Church Lane in Upwey.

Location

Between Elwell Street, Church Lane

FAQs

What is Hurdlemead?

It’s a large open field between Elwell Street and Church Lane in Upwey.

Why is it called Hurdlemead?

Locals sometimes spell it Hurlingmead, but the origin of the name is unclear.

Can the public visit Hurdlemead?

Yes, it’s an open space enjoyed by residents for walks, picnics, and community events.

Are there any facilities there?

There are no built facilities, just natural open grassland.

Who manages the field?

Local community groups and the council help maintain the area.