Britain's oldest national conservation body held a day in Kenilworth for members to celebrate its 160^th anniversary and to visit its land, Parliament Piece.

The Open Spaces Society was founded in 1865 and campaigns to protect common land, village greens, open spaces and public paths, and people's right to enjoy them, throughout England and Wales.

The six-hectare site, Parliament Piece, was given to the society in 1987 by Miss Helen Martin of The Spring.

In 1999, the society gave it to Warwick District Council on a 99-year lease, and it is managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

The general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, said: 'It was delightful for members to walk around Parliament Piece, which is a unique site and popular with residents for quiet recreation. 

"We are proud to own this magnificent open space, and to have planted trees here to mark our anniversaries.

'We are most grateful to all who helped make this a special day for the society.'

Kate Ashbrook and Phil Wadey (OSS chairman) at one of the trees (image supplied)

Fifty members of the society gathered at the St Nicholas church hall for talks by the town mayor, James Kennedy, and local historian Jan Cooper, who gave some background to the history of Parliament Piece and of the town. 

They then visited the Abbey Museum, which opened specially for the occasion.

After lunch, members walked to Parliament Piece to hear from Andy Threlfall, the beekeeper, whose bees occupy hives next to Parliament Piece.

Then Nick Martin of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust led an informative walk around the site, explaining the management arrangements.

They paused by the new elm trees, which commemorate the society's 160^th anniversary, and the 40^th anniversary of the general secretary, Kate Ashbrook. 

They also tested the new gates, which provide easy access, including one for wheelchair access.

OSS members enjoy Parliament Piece (image supplied)