Oxford Preservation Trust

Oxford Preservation Trust We conserve buildings and monuments, manage and share green open space, champion thoughtful planning and organise Oxford Open Doors. Love Oxford?

Since 1927, we've been the guardians of Oxford. We encourage positive change, protect historic buildings and secure green space for everyone to enjoy. Help us bit.ly/SupportOxford.

On Thursday 25 June we’ll be hosting the Oxford Preservation Trust AGM at Pembroke College. After the formal business, w...
17/06/2026

On Thursday 25 June we’ll be hosting the Oxford Preservation Trust AGM at Pembroke College. After the formal business, we’re delighted to be joined by Will Palin, CEO of Barts Heritage at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, who will be discussing the challenges and successes of three major building conservation projects he has overseen in the past decade.

This is an event for members of Oxford Preservation Trust, head to our website to book your place:
https://app.sheepcrm.com/oxfordpreservation/events/oxfordpreservation-booking-69cd0d91c6d9e30aeddf8f7f/?force_reload=1

Join Goodgym Oxford for a chance to step inside Iffley Glebe and help maintain this green space!On Wednesday 24th June,...
15/06/2026

Join Goodgym Oxford for a chance to step inside Iffley Glebe and help maintain this green space!

On Wednesday 24th June, 6–7:30pm, volunteers from Oxford Good Gym will be heading to Iffley Glebe, a green space looked after by Oxford Preservation Trust in the heart of Iffley Village. The team will be helping us with some vital meadow maintenance. Think weeding along the ancient stone wall, tackling nettles, and clearing self-seeded sycamores to keep this special space thriving.

Iffley Glebe is a remnant of ancient parish land, once farmed to provide for the local priest. In 1988 it faced plans for housing development, but was saved in 1996 when it was gifted to Oxford Preservation Trust to remain a green space forever. Today it's full of wildflowers each summer, with an ancient hedge providing nesting places for birds and food for insects and at night it becomes a vital hunting ground for bats and owls.

The group will meet at Richard Benson Hall, 276 Cowley Rd at 6pm for a group run of around 6km in total, or you can meet the group directly at Iffley Church Hall at 6:15pm if running isn't your thing. Please bring your own gardening gloves, all other tools will be provided!

👉 Sign up on the good gym website: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/meadow-maintenance-at-iffley-glebe-0076595c-c3ea-4152-8f0b-090e9a586af4

Join us on Saturday 20 June at the Wolvercote & Wytham Midsummer Festival! We’ll have a stall at the festival from 1-5pm...
11/06/2026

Join us on Saturday 20 June at the Wolvercote & Wytham Midsummer Festival! We’ll have a stall at the festival from 1-5pm.

Come and chat to us about:
🦆 What we’re doing at Wolvercote Lakes to transform the area into a peaceful nature reserve for both people and wildlife to enjoy
🙌 How to get involved in volunteering in our green spaces
💚 OPT’s wider work across Oxford

Find out more about the festival here: https://wolvercote.org/festival/

🌿 Join us tomorrow at Willow Walk Meadow! 🌿Help us protect one of Oxfordshire’s most important sites for the rare Creepi...
10/06/2026

🌿 Join us tomorrow at Willow Walk Meadow! 🌿

Help us protect one of Oxfordshire’s most important sites for the rare Creeping Marshwort by joining our volunteer work party at Willow Walk Meadow, North Hinksey.

This beautiful floodplain meadow is now the county’s best site for Creeping Marshwort, thanks to years of careful management. Tomorrow, we'll be tackling invasive Himalayan Balsam along the stream to help safeguard this special habitat and the wildlife that depends on it. The session will be led by our consultant ecologist Rod d’Ayala.

📅 Thursday 11 June
⏰ 9.30am–4.30pm (join for as much or as little time as you can)
📍 Willow Walk Meadow, North Hinksey Village, OX2 0LZ

Tasks:
✔️ Pulling Himalayan Balsam
✔️ Raking cuttings
✔️ Creating habitat heaps

Please bring gardening gloves, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. Tools and guidance will be provided.

Whether you're a regular volunteer or joining us for the first time, we'd love to see you there!

Photo: Creeping Marshwort courtesy of Dr Judy Webb

Looking for a Father’s Day gift with more impact than a pair of socks?Give the gift of Oxford. 💚An Oxford Preservation T...
09/06/2026

Looking for a Father’s Day gift with more impact than a pair of socks?

Give the gift of Oxford. 💚

An Oxford Preservation Trust membership is a chance to discover the stories, landscapes and historic places that make our city special. From exclusive events and member benefits to helping protect Oxford’s heritage and green spaces for future generations, it’s a gift that lasts.

Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys exploring the city beyond the usual tourist trail.

This Father’s Day, give a gift that creates memories all year round.

Head to our website to buy a gift membership now: https://www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/give-gift-oxford

"A beautiful performance in an extraordinary place where history and theatre collide."That's what audiences said about U...
08/06/2026

"A beautiful performance in an extraordinary place where history and theatre collide."

That's what audiences said about Unversed… when it was in the Painted Room last year and we know you’ll love it just as much!

Join us on Saturday 4 July in the Painted Room for a one-woman performance that brings Shakespeare’s women to life with passion and wit. Written and performed by Beckis Cooper.

2.30pm now SOLD OUT, but spaces available for 6.30pm — don't miss out.

Book on the OPT website:
https://app.sheepcrm.com/oxfordpreservation/events/oxfordpreservation-booking-697c94452a7bb332b0917518/?force_reload=1

📸 by Marc Gascoigne

Volunteer heritage guides wanted!We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help bring one of Oxford's hidde...
05/06/2026

Volunteer heritage guides wanted!

We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help bring one of Oxford's hidden gems to life.

Tucked away above the bustle of Cornmarket Street, the Painted Room offers a fascinating glimpse into Oxford's past. From its remarkable wall paintings to the story of playwright William Davenant, who grew up in the building, there's so much to discover and share.

We're currently developing a new chapter in the Painted Room's story, building on research from historians and heritage specialists to create an even richer experience for visitors. As we do, we're hoping to grow a small team of volunteer guides who can help welcome visitors and share the building's fascinating history.

No previous guiding experience is needed – just an interest in Oxford's heritage, a willingness to chat with visitors, and enthusiasm for learning something new. Training will be provided, and the role is flexible.

It's a rewarding opportunity to meet people, develop new skills, and help open up one of Oxford's most atmospheric historic spaces to more visitors.

Interested? Email Membership & Communications Manager Louise to find out more: [email protected]

Next week on Wednesday 10 June, we’ll be teaming up with Oxford Goodgym for an evening of wildlife conservation at Harco...
03/06/2026

Next week on Wednesday 10 June, we’ll be teaming up with Oxford Goodgym for an evening of wildlife conservation at Harcourt Hill 🌿

Volunteers will be helping to manage ragwort as we continue preparing the meadow for future grazing 🐑 While common ragwort is one of the UK’s most valuable wildflowers for pollinators, supporting butterflies, bees and over 200 species of insects 🦋, it can become dangerous to grazing animals when dried into hay, making careful meadow management essential.

The striking yellow flowers are also the food plant of the cinnabar moth caterpillar, showing the important balance between supporting biodiversity and responsibly managing the landscape.

Sessions like this are a brilliant way to get outdoors, meet new people and make a real difference to Oxford’s green spaces. Every volunteer helps us care for these important landscapes for both wildlife and people.

A huge thank you to everyone at Oxford GoodGym for their continued support 💚

If you’d like to find out how to get involved head to our website, link in bio…
https://www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/volunteer

🌿 It’s Volunteers’ week and if you’re looking for a way to get outside and make a difference in nature look no further!T...
02/06/2026

🌿 It’s Volunteers’ week and if you’re looking for a way to get outside and make a difference in nature look no further!

This week we have three opportunities across some of our green spaces in Oxford to give volunteering a go…

🌾 Thursday 4 June at Marston Hamm – Help with scything and raking as part of our floodplain meadow restoration work, controlling invasive sedge in one of the site's five meadows.

🌿 Friday 5 June at Wolvercote Lakes – Join our volunteer team in keeping paths and viewing platforms accessible, alongside a variety of seasonal conservation tasks.

🌼 Saturday 6 June at Harcourt Hill – Help remove ragwort which can be dangerous to cattle once cut and dried into hay.

Whether you're a regular volunteer or trying conservation volunteering for the first time, these sessions are a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people and play a direct role in caring for Oxford's natural heritage.

Every hour volunteered helps us protect and enhance these special places for wildlife and people alike.

If you’re interested in finding out more or want to get involved head to the Oxford Preservation Trust website: https://www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/volunteer

01/06/2026

It's Volunteers' Week, and we're celebrating the incredible people who help us protect, promote and celebrate Oxford's beautiful green spaces and unique heritage.

One of our fantastic volunteers Guy reflects on his experience welcoming visitors to the historic Rewley Road Swing Bridge during Oxford Open Doors last year.

Every September, hundreds of volunteers help make Oxford Open Doors possible - greeting visitors, sharing local history, stewarding buildings, and creating memorable experiences at some of the city's most fascinating places. From hidden heritage gems to iconic landmarks like the Rewley Road Swing Bridge, volunteers are at the heart of the festival.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to get involved, this is your sign!

We're now recruiting volunteers for Oxford Open Doors 2026. Whether you're passionate about history, enjoy meeting new people, or simply want to give something back to your community, we'd love to hear from you. Email our Engagement Manager Anna Clark, [email protected] to find out how to get involved.

Whether you can volunteer for a couple of hours or the whole weekend, every contribution makes the weekend possible.

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September 2026

Address

10 Turn Again Lane, St Ebbes
Oxford
OX11QL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441865242918

Website

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