The Open Spaces Society was founded in 1865 as the Commons Preservation Society. Its founders and early members included Sir Robert Hunter and Octavia Hill, who founded the National Trust 30 years later along with Canon Rawnsley. Celebrating 150 years since its foundation, the society's aim over the last century has been to preserve commons for the enjoyment of the public and protect the historical rights-of-way network through England and Wales. Early successes included saving Hampstead Heath from gravel extraction, Epping Forest, Wimbledon Common, Ashdown Forest and the Malvern Hills, among many other places. This book charts the history of the society, including its association with the National Trust, and highlights the kind of work it has been doing over the last 150 years to save our public spaces. Its work is largely unheard of and yet it affects everyone in Britain, whether we realise it or not. Anyone interested in nature, walking, cycling or visiting National Trust properties will be fascinated to read about this little-known society.