Couple buys Wiltshire land to keep it in community hands

Leila and Mike Sarson-Rowe said the process has been "really exciting"

A five-acre field has been bought by a couple so it remains in local hands and can be a haven for wildlife.

Leila and Mike Sarson-Rowe purchased the plot in Shaw near Melksham, Wiltshire, when people were "really bothered" about it being for sale.

"It's been used for many years, particularly taking dogs for walks," Mrs Sarson-Rowe explained.

They plan to keep it for couple of years then find a way for it be in the community long-term.

Mr Sarson-Rowe said she and her husband looked on "with horror" when the 'for sale' sign went up.

She added: "We had some money and put an offer to see what happened."

"It's been really exciting."

The plan is to make it a space to be enjoyed by wildlife and the community

An eco-conscious relative sent them some trees to plant and a local working party has been clearing brambles from the public footpath in the field.

They asked the local school - Shaw Church of England Primary - to think of some names, with Evergreen Meadow being chosen.

The local vicar, Reverend Jane Palmer, will also be planting a tree and there are plans to get a sign for the field too.

"It's lovely when the sun shines, it's really beautiful" added Mrs Sarson-Rowe.

The couple said they hope to put benches on the field so people can sit and chat, and to enhance it for wildlife.