Prior to 1859, the inhabitants of Ramsden had the rights to graze their livestock on Ramsden Heath (part of the ancient Wychwood Forest), comprising several thousand acres of open, unfenced land to the north of our parish, extending to Shipton in the west and to modern-day Charlbury to the north. In what could be seen as a "land grab" by local landowners (legitimized by the Inclosures Act), the inhabitants of Ramsden were granted access to three fields (the Allotments), today totalling ten acres, as compensation for the loss of those grazing rights. The land came to be administered by the "Ramsden Poors Allotments Trust". That organisation persists to this day, with the land being used in part for conventional allotments and in part, to date, for grazing.

The land is divided into three plots, as shown in the map. Plot 31 is currently used for traditional allotment tenancies, for villagers growing fruit and vegetables. Plots 32 and 37, and part of plot 31, have in recent years been leased as paddocks for grazing sheep and horses.

If you would like to contact the Allotments Committee, please email allotments@ramsdenvillage.co.uk

Plot 37 Nature Recovery Project

Thanks to an exciting collaboration between Ramsden Parish Council, Ramsden Poors Allotment Committee, Wild Oxfordshire and the Evenlode Catchment Partnership, Plot 37 is undergoing a transformation to benefit the local environment.  The project will create “transient” ponds, which will soak up water in wet weather and dry out in dry weather – this is intended to reduce the risk of excessive rainwater flooding down into the High Street. Biodiversity will be further enhanced through tree planting and allowing the grassland to gradually restore to wild meadow, with paths and seating to allow villagers to walk and relax in nature. These changes are in line with the majority views expressed after a village meeting last October to discuss the site.