£50,000 available for nature recovery projects in South Oxfordshire
South Oxfordshire District Council has released a further £50,000 to provide grants for projects which increase biodiversity and encourage public access to green spaces in the district following the success of the scheme over its first 12 months.
In September 2023 the council set up a new partnership with the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE), to give £50,000 as grants through TOE’s Local Environment Fund to help boost local nature recovery efforts and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Over the past year the money has been awarded to a variety of organisations including parish councils and environmental charities in Thame, Wheatley, East Hagbourne, Little Wittenham, Benson and Chalgrove.
The projects have ranged from the creation of ponds and butterfly banks to providing protective fencing for a meadow conservation area and boardwalk improvement to allow managed public access to a wetland habitat.
Community groups, town and parish councils, charities and non-profit organisations are invited to apply to TOE for funding to support projects which help look after South Oxfordshire’s green spaces.
The grants, that range from £1,000 and £15,000, can be used for tree and hedgerow planting or restoring community orchards, ponds, and nature-rich meadows. They could also be used to improve access to the countryside and green spaces, for example by replacing stiles with gates for better accessibility and improving pathways.
The fund uses money from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) paid by developer contributions.
Early applications are encouraged, so any South Oxfordshire based group involved in protecting and restoring their local environment should contact TOE to find out more.
Cllr David Rouane, South Oxfordshire District Council leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, said: “We’ve been delighted by the take-up of the fund over the past year which has gone towards supporting some wonderful projects to support green spaces in South Oxfordshire.
“Extending the fund and therefore the opportunities to improve access to green spaces and to create new wildlife areas is vital both for increasing biodiversity and also people’s wellbeing.
“We’re partnering with TOE again to administer these grants as they have specialist knowledge and experience with funding good quality biodiversity projects.”
Ben Heaven Taylor, chief executive of TOE, said: “It was great to be able to support these seven community projects across SODC last year with the Community Infrastructure Levy funding. The projects all demonstrated strong community action, connecting local residents with the nature on their doorstep. We’re very pleased to receive this second tranche of funding enabling us to continue supporting grass-roots projects across the District.”
Pic shows preparation for a pond by the Howe Trust at Wheatley.
Funds awarded in 2023/2024
The Chiltern Society £7,637
Chalgrove’s gateway to the Chilterns path improvements replacing stiles for gates and gaps to make access to nature easier for walkers.
East Hagbourne Parish Council £7,515
Resurfacing of a footpath at Butts Piece in East Hagbourne to allow all year round access through to other parts of the village through tree lined paths.
Thame Green Living (on behalf of Thame Town Council) £5,978
Fencing and boardwalk at Rycote Meadow in Thame to allow walkers across the newly conservation project area while protecting the species rich meadow from trampling and dogs.
Earth Trust £11,414
Fencing and tree planting to restore a neglected hazel coppice coup in the SSSI in Little Wittenham Wood to replace lost trees and protect the area for the biodiversity.
The Howe Trust £9,841
Creation of new ponds, butterfly banks and replace gates at the Howe Trust Community Ponds Project in Wheatley.
Benson Parish Council £2,250
Hedge cutting and willow pollarding to create a community green space at Cuckoo Pen in Benson
Benson Parish Council £5,365
Replacement of the Millbrook Mead walkway in Benson through an important marsh/wetland habitat to allow public access whilst protecting the wetland.
Notes to editors
Main pic shows the Millbrook Mead walkway at Benson.
Find out more on our website here
The Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE) was established in 2011 as an independent environmental funder for Oxfordshire. It raises funds and allocate grants to support a better future for people, wildlife and the planet.
Detailed guidance and application forms are on the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment website.
Applications are accepted quarterly. The next deadline for applications is 7 October 2024, then 6 January 2025. Submissions close at midday.
To check that your project idea meets TOE’s funding criteria, contact Rachel Sanderson, Head of Community Grants, admin@trustforoxfordshire.org.uk and 01865 407003.
