New play equipment for the children in the rural community of Pillaton thanks to a grant from the Howton Farm Solar Fund

Pillaton is a small parish of about 4.6 square miles on the western edge of the Tamar Valley in South-East Cornwall.

The Pillaton Playing Field Support Group was set up in 2020 to raise funds to replace condemned playground equipment in the village playing field owned by the village hall. Phase 1 in 2021 included installation of a zip wire and swings, Phase 2 in 2022 a seesaw, roundabout and monkey bars. 

With a grant from The Howton Farm Solar FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. they were able to implement Phase 3, the purchase and installation of a sway alley and two balance beams. All the work was managed by a team of four volunteers from the village, supported by the Parish Council.

The work is now complete and children from the village and surrounding areas have a safe, welcoming space to call their own at the heart of their community. 

As one volunteer observed, “The increased variety of playground equipment has directly led to greater use of the playing field, reducing behavioural problems at home for some families.”

About the fund

The Howton Solar Farm Community Fund supports not for profit community projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. in the areas of Pillaton, Landrake & St Erney, St Mellion, St Dominick and Saltash with grants of up to £5,000. 

Since 2013 the fund has awarded more than £325,000. CCF administers the fund on behalf of operator Lightsource, and a panelA group of people who review grant applications and decide which will receive funding. of local people meet twice a year to consider applications.

This is one of more than 12 renewable energy funds managed by Cornwall Community Foundation.

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants.

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, go to our online donation page.