"If something is not in the popular imagination, it does not exist, " says Searles.

BBC: America's forgotten black cowboys

"The American West is often considered the birthplace of America, where Americans were distinct from their European counterparts, " says Searles.

BBC: America's forgotten black cowboys

The parish council is yet to make a bid, Mr Searles said, but if it was to purchase the land a public consultation would determine what it would be used for.

BBC: Mettle Hill travellers' site: Council withdraws plans