A CIVIC group is up for an award for its major project to open Wolvercote Lakes to the public.

Oxford Preservation Trust has been shortlisted for the Canal & River Trust 2015 Living Waterways Awards, with judges set to visit the eight-acre site later this month.

Since acquiring the land in 2010 as a gift, volunteers from the trust have worked tirelessly to transform it into a vibrant nature reserve accessible to visitors.

The organisation has also been shortlisted for a prize for its annual Oxford Open Doors event.

Director Debbie Dance said: “Oxford’s open natural spaces are ever more precious with the pressure to build, making us all the more delighted to make this addition to Wolvercote and Oxford residents.”

The lakes – called “the Pleasure Lakes” in some records – were bequeathed to the preservation trust by Viv Kirk, whose family had owned them for two generations. Mr Kirk once housed his collection of historic traction engines there.

With grant funding and land days supported by volunteers, the trust started work on the site in 2012, to make improvements.

It involved extensive work to remove debris and litter, making the site safe, cutting out invasive plants, replacing railings and creating new paths.

The site eventually opened in July last year and now offers open views, walkways, benches, bird hides and shallows – home to plants, birds and marine life.

The preservation trust has also been shortlisted for the cultural events and tourism award at the Four Pillars Tourism and Culture Oxfordshire Business Awards, for its Open Doors event.

Every year it arranges for scores of venues across Oxford that are normally shut to the outside world to open their doors to members of the public.

A wide range of buildings open up, including Oxford colleges, university research departments, theatres, businesses and sporting venues. Last year saw a former college barge moored on the Thames near Donnington Bridge, now a private home, open up.

Last year, a total of 130 venues took part, prompting visits by thousands of people.

For its eighth year this September, Open Doors will be themed around “books, libraries and printing”.

Ms Dance added: “The atmosphere over the weekend is one of smiles and pride and we all looking forward to this September.”

“There will be plenty new to see.”

Results of the Canal & River Trust awards will be revealed at an event in October and the Oxfordshire Business Awards are at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel on June 19.