OXFORDSHIRE’S wildlife trust is facing a race against time to save this meadow.

Meadow Farm near Bicester was bought by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation last year so that Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) could raise the funds.

Now the trust has until the end of July to raise £270,000 to prevent the 28-hectare site along the River Ray from going onto the open market.

BBOWT’s Andy Collins said: “It is a rare habitat in dramatic decline and it is really important that we keep hold of it.”

For the last 50 years the fields have been cut for hay and grazed with sheep. This traditional management means that it has become a precious wildlife site and home to otters, wading birds and butterflies.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/meadowfarm.