In response to the Barwood Land East of Whitchurch communication
HorseWorld Trust: securing our future
The majority of the land included within the “East of Whitchurch” proposals presented by Barwoods Land is the current home of HorseWorld.
HorseWorld Trust was founded in 1952 and today rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes around 300 neglected and abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys, while supporting over 350 vulnerable young people each year through its equine assisted learning programme Discovery™.
HorseWorld’s Board of Trustees has confirmed its support for progressing the “East of Whitchurch” proposals through the planning process, recognising that a future land sale is the only viable way to secure the charity’s long-term future. It would enable HorseWorld to relocate to a new site nearby where it can care for more horses and support more young people, responding to increasing demand for its services that it is currently unable to meet within the constraints of its existing site. If HorseWorld had the means to expand and invest in its current site, it would — but it does not have that option, and so this is the only realistic way to secure and grow its impact. It would also allow the charity to create a purpose-designed environment that better meets the needs of both horses and young people and enhances biodiversity.
Desi Dillingham MBE, Chair of Trustees of HorseWorld Trust, said:
“HorseWorld has been part of the fabric of Bristol for more than 70 years and our trustees are fully committed to ensuring it continues for many more decades to come.
“Although our site has been identified by the Local Authority as a potential location for development for almost 10 years, the progression of a planning application may still come as a surprise, and we want to be open about why we are taking this step.
“Year on year we face an ever-increasing demand for our services, both to rescue and rehabilitate neglected and abused horses, and to deliver our critical work with young people struggling in mainstream education. Alongside this rising demand, we face rising costs that threaten the future of our charity.
“The reality is that we cannot continue as we are indefinitely. A future land sale would ensure the charity can continue its vital work, protecting what we do by relocating to a new site nearby where we can do even more for the horses and young people who rely on us.
“We also recognise that this proposal would contribute to the delivery of much-needed homes and community services in a sustainable location, which is why has been part of the Local Authorities local plans for the last 10 years.
“We understand that some people will have concerns about development on this land. It has been vital to us that any proposed site design reflects the care we have taken of this site over many years. A significant proportion (+50%) would remain as green, open space, with enhanced biodiversity and, importantly, new opportunities for public access — something that has not been possible whilst the site has been used to care for vulnerable horses and young people.
“We know this represents a significant change, and we understand that people will have different views. We warmly invite everyone with a connection to HorseWorld — our supporters, volunteers, local residents and the wider community — to take part in the consultation and share their feedback.”
To view the plans and comment on the proposals, please visit www.landeastofwhitchurch.co.uk (please note the website will only be available from 24th June).
There will also be a community consultation event, which everyone is welcome to attend.
Please come along to view the proposals and meet the project team:
Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Time: 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Location: The Royal British Legion, The Social Club, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 0QF
The deadline for comments is 3rd July 2026.