A CORNISH village has been handed a “once in a lifetime” chance to save seven acres of land from development – but residents must raise £25,000 to secure its future.

Villagers in Upton Cross, at the heart of Linkinhorne parish on the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, are rallying together to bring The Meadow into community ownership and protect it for generations to come.

The seven-acre site was purchased by a local man who has offered to fund more than half of the purchase price, with Linkinhorne Parish Council invited to raise the remaining money.

However, the community must find a further £25,000 to cover legal costs, with a deadline of March 2027 to complete the purchase.

The Meadow comprises gently sloping grassland next to the village’s existing Jubilee Field and could become a major community hub.

Plans include a safe walking route for children and residents travelling between the school, church, pub and bus stop, alongside allotments, a remembrance garden, off-road parking and a village green.

At a packed public meeting, support poured in from local groups, including the village primary school, as residents united behind the ambitious project.

The campaign hopes to preserve the land as a lasting asset for the wider parish, which has a population of just over 1,500 and includes Rilla Mill, Henwood, Minions and Linkinhorne itself.

A GoFundMe page has been launched, while additional fundraising events are also being planned to help reach the target.

One event will see Barrett’s Privateers perform a concert at Rilla Mill Village Hall on November 21.

Supporters say securing The Meadow would protect a valuable piece of village life while creating new opportunitie9877hhs for recreation, community gatherings and safer travel on foot.

Anyone wishing to donate or support the campaign can contact Linkinhorne Parish Council clerk by emailing [email protected].