Back in 1985, discussions were under way on how to preserve the Serpentine. Local residents were concerned that the walk could be lost and the ground incorporated into farming operations. A plan was formulated to purchase the strip of land. Although the path was a public right of way which couldn't be closed off, the look and feel of the historic walk (including the old trees and established hedgerows) were at risk. Both the Largo Area Community Council and the District Council were supportive of local residents plans to preserve the natural beauty of the site. On 3 April 1985, the East Fife Mail reported that the LACC proposed to raise the money to buy the area of land and then hand it over to the District Council to maintain. A Tree Preservation Order was also to be sought.
An update on the situation was provided in the 26 February 1986 East Fife Mail. By then a public meeting of around 130 residents had agreed in principle to go ahead with the purchase and the community council had issued an SOS - Save Our Serpentine - appeal. The target was £10,000 to buy the land, compensate the present owner and erect new fencing. In a statement the chairperson, Mrs Jean Bayne said that:
"The Serpentine Walk has been recognised as a passageway for very many years. It was once a beautiful tree-lined walk, used by residents and visitors alike, linking Upper and Lower Largo, giving added benefit of superb views across Largo Bay. But now many of the trees and much of the hedgerow are gone, the pathway impassable due to mud and deep tractor ruts and stock has wandered on to and grazed upon the passage."
The appeal for donations started and sources of public finance were investigated. As we now know, the determination and support of the local people resulted in the Serpentine being bought, preserved and handed over to the Woodland Trust, in 1988, who still maintain the site today.