MacAndrews Fields still has many friends and is a community free green space for all to enjoy.

The 2 acre field in Ivybridge, surrounded by residential homes, continues to offer local people access to nature, fresh air and tranquility.

In addition to the grass area for sports and a pair of football nets, there is a natural play area with logs and willow arches for children.

The land was owned originally by James MacAndrew who, in the nineteenth century, established a shipping line importing fruit from Spain and Portugal. In 1938 the MacAndrews family donated the field to the people of Ivybridge for community use.

Another part of the field’s history includes its use by American Servicemen in World War II while they prepared for the D-Day landings in Normandy.

Company A, 1st Battalion of 116th Infantry were billeted in nissen huts on the field prior to embarking for Omaha Beach in occupied France.

On the north edge of the field is a simple but poignant memorial to the men who died during the landings, nineteen of whom died on the first day.

The two Bedford Boys benches are protected from the wind by 32 posts each one carved with the name of a soldier from the town of Bedford, Virginia who spent a pleasant time in Ivybridge prior to their ordeal in liberating France.

After the war the field was then used by various sports clubs until in 2010, a dedicated group of volunteers, know as the Friends of MacAndrews Field, took over managing the green space for local residents.

During the next 8 years the volunteers did much to ensure the amenity developed. In addition to the play area, natural hedges were planted together with 11 apple trees creating a community small orchard.

However, in December 2018 the group decided to disband and hand over all responsibility for MacAndrews to the Town Council.

Park Ranger Andrew Price and his small team now look after the field ensuring trees are planted and the grass area is mown.

As the title Park Ranger suggests, Mr Price is also keen to ensure wildlife is encouraged and several areas are being left to grow providing a habitat for insects and birds.

Mr Price acknowledged the good work done by the Friends of MacAndrews Field and asked that people interested as working as volunteers on Park projects were welcome to contact him at the Town Council.

Ivybridge residents have access to more than 10 green spaces all managed by the Park Ranger. The largest Longtimber and Pithill Woods, comprises 53 acres.

Registered as Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW) with riverside pathways; the area is managed in a ecologically sound manner for the Town Council by Dartmoor National Park.

The other green space of note is the 34 acres of Filham Park, which provides space for local sports clubs, many walkers and one hundred allotments.

The green spaces of Ivybridge continue to be well managed and the town’s 16,000 residents are encouraged get outside and explore what is available in their local park.

For anyone wishing to ask more about how to volunteer to improve green spaces could email [email protected]