CONSERVATION bosses have bought almost 50 acres of land at Old Marston to protect it from development.

Oxford Preservation Trust has bought land which stretches from the village between the River Cherwell and the Northern Bypass, saying it was vital to preserve the character of the area.

Trust director Debbie Dance said: “The villages within the city like Old Marston are a big part of the character of Oxford.

“It seemed right that we should buy it and open it up for people to enjoy.

“We are now doing a conservation management plan and we will then decide how to make the best use of the land.”

She said the trust hopes to eventually run walks across the land.

The 47 acres include fields and flood meadows and take the amount of land the trust owns in Oxford to almost 900 acres.

Trustee Lucy Hughes, who lives in Old Marston, said: “There are some very ancient hedgerows on the land and roe deer have been found on it as well.

“It should make a very pleasant walk.”

Old Marston Parish Council chairman Charlie Haynes said: “We are extremely pleased the trust has bought this land.

“If they own the land we know it will keep the character of Old Marston “It means it won’t be developed and I am sure the trust will improve the land as well. It is a great thing.”

The trust, which was set up in 1927, already owns the Victoria Arms pub as well as other land around Old Marston.

Mrs Dance could not confirm how much it had paid for the land, which formed part of nearby Hill View Farm, but said the money had come from the trust’s supporters.

She said: “We are funded in exactly the same way as the National Trust. Our money comes from our supporters.”

Hill View Farm, one of the few remaining farms within Oxford’s ring road, was put up for sale last May for £1.45m.