Asthall Leigh demonstrator event highlights nature recovery efforts to Town and Parish Councils
Representatives from Town and Parish Councils gathered at the Asthall Leigh Memorial Hall on Monday 18 March, to learn about the ecological enhancements at the village’s old allotments, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) as part of West Oxfordshire’s nature recovery initiative. The event also served to introduce attendees to the newly launched Community Town and Parish Guide to Nature Recovery.
Cllr Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Change, said, “It is great that all levels of local government are coming together to discuss the vital role that nature recovery must play in the future land management of our district.
“Attendees had the pleasure of hearing about the work undertaken by Asthall Leigh Parish Council to transform their old allotments into a vibrant new space for nature and wildlife.
“With the launch of the new Community Town and Parish Guide to Nature Recovery and the sharing of this case study, the Council will continue to facilitate local nature recovery projects in tackling the ecological emergency.”
Volunteers took part in several sessions over the autumn and winter to clear brambles and nettles, remove waste, plant hedgerows, and install owl and bat boxes at the site. Additional support came from a hired contractor, tasked with clearing pathways and managing the site’s dense plant growth. After the session, attendees were invited to visit the site to see the improvements firsthand.
Going forward, the project will see the installation of a recycled plastic bench, offering visitors a peaceful spot to admire the view of the valley. There are also plans to install dew ponds and signage, along with further planting of fruit trees.
This is one of three demonstrator projects funded by the UKSPF as part of the government’s Levelling Up Agenda.