More than 500 people have attended a mass trespass in protest against new charges to access one of the country’s largest open green spaces.

Cirencester Park, in the Cotswolds town, spans more than 3,000 acres and has been free to access for members of the public for 326 years.

But the Bathurst Estate, which has owned the land since 1695, say fees must now be introduced to maintain the cost of the parkland as well as to provide new facilities on the site.

Visitors are now charged £4 per adult, while those living in Cirencester or in nearby villages can pay a £10 deposit to access the park.

On Sunday, local residents and protesters from across the West Country walked through Cirencester Park’s main gates on Cecily Hill – which were open – as part of a mass trespass.

They chanted “Whose park? Our park”, with some holding placards reading “Right to roam”. Other signs included one reading “The peasants are revolting” and “Nature should be for everyone, not just for those that can afford it”.

Swindon Advertiser: Ali North travelled from Swindon to take partAli North travelled from Swindon to take part (Image: PA)

Among them was Ali North, 33, who travelled from Swindon, and joined those protesting at the park with a homemade sign reading “Right to roam”.

She said: “We are living through a time when access to nature is more critical than it has ever been.

“Having the introduction of barriers, in addition to other barriers people might feel, is a step backwards.”

Jon Moses, organiser of campaign group Right To Roam, said: “Our simple message to the Bathurst Estate is this: If the Bathurst Estate cannot continue to meet its obligations to the park, and there is no room in their annual accounts for its maintenance, then fine, we accept, we’ll take it.

“Please, by all means, give it back.”

Lord Bathurst, who stood by a gate to watch protesters gather in the park on Sunday morning, said the charges are important to maintain the land.

“People don’t like change, I don’t like change, but unfortunately to keep the park running we have to have some change in here,” he said.

“It has changed enormously over the last 20-30 years and it will continue to evolve.

“People might find it unpopular to charge people for coming in, but for local people it is still free for people to come in – they can pay a £10 deposit.

“There are so many other places, National Trust properties, Westonbirt Arboretum, that we have to pay to go into.”