The pastureland in the village of Thorndon belonged to the Kerrison Trust which put it up for sale early last year with a guide price of £400k.

Agents Savills and Lacy Scott and Knight split the 77-acre Kerrison estate - which includes land and buildings - into four lots with a guide price tag for the whole of around £4m.

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The council has bought the largest lot - Lot 3 (Image: Savills) The council paid £475k for the largest plot - Lot 3.

The area of meadowland purchased by the council is rich in flora and fauna and it says it will now work with the local community to protect and enhance it.

Councillor Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this important site, which we know is valued by the local community.

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