About Us

Ardagh Community Trust (ACT) is a charity established in 2017 so that local residents could take on responsibility for managing the Ardagh site. We receive no core funding so raise funds through applications for grants to improve the courts, leisure facilities, gardens and meet our sustainability priorities.

We have a wholly owned social enterprise, Horfield Common CIC whose trading activities include operating our café and community plant nursery and running some events. The income generated by these activities helps to pay for the running costs of the Ardagh site.

We are committed to sustainability and improving our social and environmental impacts.  We need to balance achieving these priorities whilst improving our accessibility for all and maintaining the unique charm of the whole site.

ACT has a board of trustees responsible for the management and administration of the charity on behalf of its beneficiaries. Members of ACT are eligible to vote at the AGM.  More detail on applying for membership coming soon. 

Information about the charity can be found on the Charity Commission for England and Wales website: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5098468/charity-overview

The ACT AGM 2025 was held on Saturday 11th October in the Garden Room at The Ardagh. You can find a copy of the minutes here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OK_W9zL8WL54IbGDq0MrlqIe95gLMg6u/view?usp=sharing

We are constantly seeking to build partnerships with local organisations and currently have strong links with Family Food Action, My Community Bristol, SENDAWelcome, Claremont School, Age UK Bristol and many more local groups working to develop opportunities for horticulture, wellbeing, education, leisure, activity and sport.

Whilst our lease from Bristol City Council excludes the main pavilion building (except for the café), we have responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of the Ardagh site.  Our plans for improvement include:

  • Resurfacing the paths which are currently in a poor state. We will ensure that the surface we choose will be accessible and durable. 
  • Replacing the existing toilet block. This is reaching the end of its useful life, and our replacement toilet block plans include a Changing Places facility.
  • Refurbishing some of the tennis courts.
  • Reviewing how our gardens can be future-proofed in the light of our changing climate.

We encourage feedback from our users at the Ardagh.  Please contact us with feedback or suggestions either in person on site, or email hello@theardagh.com.