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Oxpens meadow is one of the last remaining vestiges of open green space in Oxford's West End area. It is a well maintained field next to the ice rink and is used by walkers, residents and sportspeople.

It is owned by the City Council and is situated beside and behind the Ice Rink on Oxpens Road. The Meadow, which measures about 2 hectares or 5 acres, is bounded at its southern end by the river Thames; by the Castle Mill Stream on the east; and by land owned by British Rail Board (Residuary) Ltd on the west.

For decades the continued existence of the Meadow as an area of informal recreation has been threatened. If the City's current plans for the redevelopment of the West End are realised, only about one-half of the Meadow would remain for public enjoyment. The site has been earmarked by the City Council as part of its West End rejuvenation scheme to include a conference centre, a police station, a relief road and riverside apartments.

It is because of these continued threats to the future of the Meadow that SENDRA (St Ebbes New Development Residents’ Association) applied in September 2008 to Oxfordshire County Council to register the Meadow as a Town Green under the Commons Act 2006. Town Green status would ensure the retention of Oxpens Meadow in perpetuity as a public open space for the enjoyment of the people of Oxford and visitors to the City.

To spearhead the campaign for Town Green status SENDRA established the Friends of Oxpens Meadow (FOM) in March 2009.

CPRE Oxfordshire is committed to protecting and preserving open green spaces within the City and is supporting the Friends of Oxpens Meadow in their Town Green application, by assisting in their fundraising and publicity efforts.

FOM is quite heavily involved in legal costs so that its application is properly represented and promoted. They have, so far, raised almost £10,000 amongst local residents and need at least as much again.

Make a donation

If you would like to make a donation to FOM, contact: Rosemary Fennell