Local people should get together and form a local group to save the area. If the area has been used by local people for twenty or more years it should be possible to designate it a village green. The Open Spaces Society website explains how to do this and can provide advice if needed. Once declared a village green the land is protected from development forever. The area can be improved and managed by applying for a grant such as the Access to Nature grant funded by the Big Lottery Fund.