A PLOT of land described as an eyesore four years ago has won an award after being transformed into a thriving nature reserve.

The North Hinksey Nature Reserve in Botley landed the Oxford Preservation Trust’s highest environmental accolade in recognition of its conversion from derelict allotments into an “oasis” of nature.

The reserve, which cost more than £50,000 to create, is one of eight projects to be handed a plaque by the trust in its annual awards.

The site, off North Hinksey Lane, has become a popular spot to relax for Botley residents and workers at the adjacent Minns Business Park.

Janet Bartlam, chairman of North Hinksey Parish Council’s nature reserve sub-committee, said: “The reserve is of great importance to the community.

“Before, it was just derelict allotments, with dreadful rundown sheds, some of which were proven to have asbestos.

“The parish is rather split by the A34, so it’s particularly important to the people of North Hinksey, because they didn’t have anything else like it.”

The reserve, which features a stream, two man-made ponds, a wildflower meadow and a copse, became reality thanks to more than £50,000 of funding from Botley businessman Kevin Minns and smaller grants from the trust and parish council.

Mr Minns, managing director of Minns Estates, said: “The reserve is a little green lung in a very urban environment.

“The land was in a sorry state and it definitely needed some work, so this is a superb collaborative effort.

“We wanted to provide a community space that local people and workers in the business park could enjoy.”

Work to clear the site began in 2005 and it took two years to create the reserve.

Parish council chairman Briony Newport said: “The land was a mess and was going to rack and ruin.”

Oxford Preservation Trust spokesman Jon Malik said: “The awards panel felt that the nature reserve was well designed, creating an attractive and enjoyable green space and increasing public access to the area.”

The seven other winners were Kings Lock Visitors Centre; The Sports Hall, New College School; Stone’s Court Almshouses, St Clement’s; Chapel Restoration, Exeter College; The Wharf House, St Ebbe’s; Ceiling Conservation & Repair, The Sheldonian Theatre and The Victoria Fountain.

For details of all the award winners, see oxfordpreservation.org.uk