We are asking Wiltshire Council to continue to refuse any change of use for the Forester and to support the community’s plan to reopen it as a pub
Our village pub was put up for sale in 2024 and closed in early 2025. Since then in July 2025, the current owners applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to convert the pub into a residence.
The community have rallied to save the pub, setting up the Donheads' Community Benefit Society. We succeeded in having the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value and, with over 300 supporters for our campaign, we have received pledges of some £600,000 in order to buy and renovate the pub.
We have had the pub independently valued by professional chartered surveyors and had a full structural survey to assess works necessary to refurbish and reopen the Forester. We have made a formal offer to purchase the pub, but with no agreement as yet and the pub remains closed. We understand that the owners may lodge an appeal against the planning decision.
This petition is to galvanise further support from the community to show how determined we are to keep and reopen our pub, either under community ownership or as a commercial enterprise, and it will be used as evidence of our commitment in any Planning Appeal. Please sign here to add your support.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
September 9, 2026
106 Comments
Thebpeoplenof Donhead and the surrounding area area desperate to preserve our 1 and only secular community building. Not only will we be saving this historic building and business, but creating a lasting hub, for our community. The vision is for more than just a pub, but also a hub fir the
Our village pub is so much more than a place to have a drink. It is a vital community hub and an important part of village life. It brings people together, provides a place to meet, socialise and support one another, and helps keep our village a connected community.
We miss having a pub in the village. We miss the warmth, connection and conversation. We’d like to have it back.
The pub is our last remaining social centre. There's so much good will to keep it going, what a boost for the village it will be to re-launch it as a community hub - strengthening relationships and reducing loneliness.
I should like the Forester to remain a pub. I and my family have enjoyed the pub over the past many years and one of daughters worked there after University. Once a local pub goes it rarely comes back and too many are lost for ever.
We miss having a good local restaurant.
The village needs a good pub restaurant
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
We are asking Wiltshire Council to continue to refuse any change of use for the Forester and to support the community’s plan to reopen it as a pub
Our village pub was put up for sale in 2024 and closed in early 2025. Since then in July 2025, the current owners applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to convert the pub into a residence.
The community have rallied to save the pub, setting up the Donheads' Community Benefit Society. We succeeded in having the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value and, with over 300 supporters for our campaign, we have received pledges of some £600,000 in order to buy and renovate the pub.
We have had the pub independently valued by professional chartered surveyors and had a full structural survey to assess works necessary to refurbish and reopen the Forester. We have made a formal offer to purchase the pub, but with no agreement as yet and the pub remains closed. We understand that the owners may lodge an appeal against the planning decision.
This petition is to galvanise further support from the community to show how determined we are to keep and reopen our pub, either under community ownership or as a commercial enterprise, and it will be used as evidence of our commitment in any Planning Appeal. Please sign here to add your support.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
September 9, 2026
106 Comments
We need to save our local pubs, they are much more than just a pub, they are a community asset and with a community such as one that has raised enough funds to purchase it, it just goes to show how much it’s needed.
Thebpeoplenof Donhead and the surrounding area area desperate to preserve our 1 and only secular community building. Not only will we be saving this historic building and business, but creating a lasting hub, for our community. The vision is for more than just a pub, but also a hub fir the
Our village pub is so much more than a place to have a drink. It is a vital community hub and an important part of village life. It brings people together, provides a place to meet, socialise and support one another, and helps keep our village a connected community.
We miss having a pub in the village. We miss the warmth, connection and conversation. We’d like to have it back.
The pub is our last remaining social centre. There's so much good will to keep it going, what a boost for the village it will be to re-launch it as a community hub - strengthening relationships and reducing loneliness.
I should like the Forester to remain a pub. I and my family have enjoyed the pub over the past many years and one of daughters worked there after University. Once a local pub goes it rarely comes back and too many are lost for ever.
We miss having a good local restaurant.
The village needs a good pub restaurant
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
We need to save our local pubs, they are much more than just a pub, they are a community asset and with a community such as one that has raised enough funds to purchase it, it just goes to show how much it’s needed.