History of the Charity

70 Years of Our Preservation Society

The St. Helen’s Park Preservation Society was established in 1955 with a clear mission: to safeguard the countryside, woods and meadows of St. Helen’s Woods (then also known as St. Helen’s Park) from the threat of development. This dedicated effort to preserve the land was bolstered by the generous donation of local benefactor Isabel Blackman, who in 1959 provided the funds necessary to purchase much of the land.

Isabel’s heartfelt gift was made in honour of her father, Alderman Blackman—a distinguished local figure who served as Mayor of Hastings and Baron of the Cinque Ports before becoming an Alderman. A plaque in the woods commemorates his legacy. The Isabel Blackman Foundation continued its support in 1985 and 1994, contributing funds to help the Society acquire an additional 34 acres, further expanding the reserve’s reach and impact.

The society was originally supported by more than a thousand ‘life members’ – a community of local people who worked together to protect the woodland and organise fund-raising events. Times have changed, and the life member programme is currently not open, but the woods remain close to the heart of the local community, and the annual Summer Fayre is a well-attended local event.

Our Work Party: Picture taken from the 1950s

Did You Know?

St. Helen’s Woods is not just a sanctuary for wildlife; it also has deep historical ties to notable figures in conservation and culture!

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A sanctuary for wildlife and visitors

Sir Peter Scott

The renowned naturalist and former Chairman of the World Wildlife Fund was a steadfast supporter of the Society, serving as its President until his death in 1989. His legacy is celebrated with the Sir Peter Scott Glade, a serene area within the reserve.

Catherine Cookson,

The famous author spent many years in Hastings and was a devoted supporter of the Society. She hosted numerous meetings in her home in Hastings Old Town, fostering a strong sense of community.

Grey Owl

(Archibald Stansfeld Belany), a local boy who went on to become one of the world’s most respected naturalists, spent much of his youth in St. Helen’s Woods. It was here that he honed his skills in tracking and conservation before travelling to Canada, where his experiences with Indigenous communities shaped his global conservation philosophy.

Special Events

In 2010, the Society celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a memorable Summer Fayre, featuring a special opening by Jo Brand, a beloved comedienne and Hastings native. The event marked a high point in community engagement, and the Society continues to build on that momentum to this day.

To further commemorate this milestone, local author Edward Preston published St. Helen’s Park 50 Years On, a beautifully illustrated history of the Society’s work. This book highlights both the factual and anecdotal stories that have shaped the reserve over the years. The Society is considering releasing a new edition—stay tuned by signing up for our mailing list for updates on this and other news!

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