Oxford Preservation Trust

Annual maintenance underway at the Rewley Road Swing Bridge! 🛠️
Our team + volunteers have inspected the structure, cleaned and re-greased the moving parts, and pumped out the turning pit – prepping the bridge to hopefully be swung again in the coming weeks!
#OxfordHeritage #SwingBridge #OPT

🧱 We’re backing a planning application for Oxford’s High Street that gets it right.
A sensitive redesign of 16 High Street complements the street’s historically significant townscape and architectural beauty!👏
See our other planning responses: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/planning-applications

📬 Our Spring/Summer newsletter is out now!
Inside:
🛠️ Walton Well Fountain restoration
🌾 Floodplain Meadows
🚶 The Future of Broad Street
Want a copy? Join us as a member: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/join
#Oxford #Heritage #Conservation #BroadStreetOxford

On Sun 13 April we’re teaming up with Oxford Conservation Volunteers for a day of volunteering at Heyford Meadow
Tasks include removing willow saplings, and building a bird-hide screen + otter holt!
www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/event/green-spaces-volunteering-heyford-meadow-ocv-weekend-task

Last week OPT members explored Tudor & Stuart England at the Ashmolean with Dr Elizabeth Sandis 🏛️
Highlights included: The Oxford Crown from when Oxford was England's capital and minted its own coins.
For more events like this see our website: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/events

OPT and Oxfordshire County Council Join Forces to Revive Sunderland Avenue’s Famous Trees

OPT & Oxfordshire County Council are reviving the famous fastigiate hornbeam trees on Sunderland Avenue. A trial treatment using soil decompaction & seaweed-based care is underway!

Read more about the trial on our website: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/news/opt-and...

👀 London Calling

📍Shoreditch / Southwark / Dalston

Reuse Them or Lose Them
Protect Britain's modern heritage:
Read the #C20RiskList from 09.04.25

(Graphic design Studio Hunter, illustration Mark Long, in partnership with Build Hollywood)

One month until entries close for OPT Awards 2025!
The deadline is Thursday 1 May 2025. See our website for more information and to enter your project: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/awards
#Oxford #Awards #Sustainability #Conservation #Architecture #Design #NewBuildings #OPTawards2025

🌱 Great work by Abingdon Green Gym volunteers at Boars Hill last weekend! 🌿 Cutting back holly & laurel in Abraham Wood. If you’d like to get involved in their next session taking place on Saturday 5 April head to their website to find out more: www.abingdongreengym.org.uk/programme

Great to have Melanie Hills from English Heritage visit us last week! She shared insights from her work on the incredible ‘Belsay Awakes’ project in Northumberland.

Our Green Spaces Officer, Hannah, then took Mel on a tour of OPT’s sites in Boars Hill which all looked stunning in the sunshine!

Intrigued by our plans to restore the Walton Well Drinking Fountain? 📢
Now you can explore its history in Walton Well: The Ford, the Fountain, the Foundry and the Prophet Elijah by John Sutton—available to purchase on our website!
📖 Order your copy here: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/shop

🌿 Last week, our Engagement & Green Spaces Committees visited Long Mead, hosted by Catriona Bass & Kevan Martin.
We explored ways to better involve local communities in nature recovery & habitat restoration.
How do you think communities can help? Let us know! ⬇️
#NatureRecovery

Murder Mystery Experience - Oxford Castle & Prison Unravel a murder mystery at Oxford Castle! Step into the shadows of this historic fortress, follow cryptic clues, and interrogate suspects to uncover the truth.

🚨There’s been a murder at Oxford Castle & Prison!
OPT Members get 20% off this immersive Murder Mystery using OPTMM20, don’t forget to take your membership card on the night.
📅 29 March, 6pm
📍Oxford Castle & Prison
🎟️Book now: www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/events/event/murder-mystery-experience/

Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift that lasts all year round? 🌸
An Oxford Preservation Trust membership supports Oxford’s heritage while giving access to exclusive events throughout the year!
Order now: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/join
#MothersDay #OxfordPreservationTrust #GiftIdea

Entries are now open for the Oxford Preservation Trust Awards 2025! 🌟
The deadline is Thursday 1 May 2025. See our website for more information and to enter your project: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/awards
#Oxford #Awards #Sustainability #Conservation #Architecture #NewBuildings #OPTawards2025

The crocuses have arrived! 💜🌿 Adding a pop of colour to the blanket of snowdrops in the OPT garden, these early blooms are a sure sign that spring is on its way.🌸✨
#CrocusSeason #Spring #OxfordPreservationTrust #Flowers #OxfordInBloom

👑 Celebrate International Women’s Day at Oxford Castle & Prison!
Head to Oxford Castle & Prison on 8 March for a special tour exploring the hidden stories of remarkable women in the Castle’s history.
🎟Book now: www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/events/event...
#OxfordCastle #InternationalWomensDay

A fantastic evening last night at the Oxford Oratory, hearing from Polly Westlake, Cliveden Conservation and Fr Benedict Manning about the restoration of Gabriel Pippet’s murals.
Thank you to all who attended!
#Conservation #Oxford #Heritage

Oxford Preservation Trust has joined Bluesky! We’re excited to share updates on Oxford’s heritage, green spaces, and our work to protect and celebrate the city.
Follow us to stay up to date on our latest projects and events.
#OxfordPreservationTrust #Bluesky #Oxford #Heritage #GreenSpaces