IMPROVEMENTS to fens and woods on the edge of Oxford, which bitterly divided a local community, have begun after a last-ditch compromise.

Workmen arrived at the Louie Memorial Copse and Fenlands, near Matthew Arnold School, to start work on Monday.

North Hinksey Parish Council has faced fierce opposition from residents, who said the council’s plans would disturb nesting birds and affect the unspoilt character of the area.

But a late compromise has been reached, with the council agreeing to move a wooden educational viewing platform, which will allow visitors to see the fen.

The revised plans will also reduce the length of a limestone pathway, in response to local concerns.

Stephen Elliott, chairman of the parish council’s recreation and amenities committee, said the main focus of the work would involve dividing the flow of a small stream.

He said: “The work will means we will retain the bogginess of this fen area, which we want to ensure continues to be enjoyed for generations to come.

“The viewing platform will be in a position where members of the public can view the fenland without damaging it. And it will be closer to the existing concrete path.”

He said dividing the water flow through the fen would help address flooding experienced by some residents in Hurst Rise Road.

The water flow work, costing £10,000, will take about three weeks, followed by the path work.

It is the latest phase of a five-year environmental improvements plan for the copse area, near Arnold’s Way.

The parish had successfully attracted grants for the scheme.

In 2008 the council spent £65,000 on a new play area nearby, with plans to establish a fitness and games area in the Louie Memorial Playing Fields for youngsters and pupils at Matthew Arnold School.

The decision to move the position of the viewing platform followed a meeting between residents and consultants working for the parish council. Niki Carter, one of the residents who campaigned against the original scheme, said: “We are pleased that they agreed to move it, but we do not want any more encroachment into the woodland than is absolutely necessary.”

Three weeks ago, the long running dispute took a new turn when the Henley-based conservation group Open Spaces Society waded in with a late bid to stop work on the fenland “in view of the mounting level of local alarm”.

The Open Spaces Society issued a press release in which the parish council’s scheme was slammed as “ignorant and crass” with a warning that nesting birds would be disturbed.

Julia Hammett, who became a parish councillor two weeks ago, said: “Within the council we are now having a proper debate, which is healthy.

“Everyone is in support of the restoration. This is a rare alkaline fen.We are moving forward now because we have got together with residents who know and love this area.”