Council sets out action to protect and restore nature in West Oxfordshire
West Oxfordshire District Council will publish its Biodiversity Duty Report this month, setting out how nature is being protected and restored across the district.
The report explains how the Council is meeting its legal duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity. This duty was strengthened by the Environment Act 2021 and requires councils to publish what they have achieved and what they will do next.
Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: “Nature is part of what makes West Oxfordshire such a special place to live. Our iconic landscape, from rolling countryside to peaceful rivers, shapes who we are and how we feel about our home.
“It is something we must cherish and protect so future generations can enjoy it as much as we do. This report shows how we are improving habitats, bolstering species populations and making sure new development leaves nature in a better state.”
Much of this work is being delivered through the Council’s Nature Recovery Plan 2024 to 2030. Since February 2024, action has included:
- Embedding statutory Biodiversity Net Gain into planning decisions so new development improves habitats, while investing in training and systems and supporting habitat banks across the district
- Enhancing biodiversity on council-owned and managed land, including North Leigh Common and Kilkenny Lane Country Park
- Installing wildlife-friendly features at the Council offices in Woodgreen, Witney – including bat, bird and bee boxes, wildflower meadows, pesticide-free bulbs, lavender beds and hedgerows
- Reducing herbicide use and eliminating the use of peat products
- Supporting and advising town and parish councils/meetings, schools and community groups to take action for nature recovery.
The report also sets out the Council’s plans for the next five years. This includes continuing to deliver the Nature Recovery Plan, supporting the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and strengthening nature policies in the new Local Plan 2043.
In practice, this will include creating and restoring wildflower meadows, improving rivers and floodplain habitats, protecting ancient woodlands, establishing new woodlands, hedgerows and scrub, and providing diverse natural green spaces as new homes are built. The Council will also ensure wildlife is considered in everyday council services.
The Council will continue working closely with town and parish councils, local nature groups, schools, landowners and partner organisations to deliver lasting improvements for people and wildlife.
Healthy habitats help reduce flooding, improve air quality and protect green spaces. Stronger nature also supports farming, wildlife and the long-term resilience of our towns and villages.
Every wetland restored, every hedge planted, every soil improved and every river reconnected delivers simultaneous climate and nature benefits.
This work supports the Council’s priority of creating a better environment for people and wildlife and responding to the climate and ecological emergency.
Residents will be able to read the full report on the Council’s website before 26 March 2026 and see the progress being made to protect and restore nature across West Oxfordshire.
To find out more, get involved or obtain advice about potential projects in your local area, please contact [email protected]