Council to launch new guide to help local communities support nature and wildlife in their area

On Thursday 21 March, the District Council will be hosting a nature recovery event for representatives from Parish and Town Councils to participate in the launch of the new guide. The session will be delivered by Wild Oxfordshire, who produced the updated guidance in partnership with the district council. The guidance has been tailored to Town and Parish Councils, with details on how to plan, deliver and maintain nature recovery projects. 

The district has seen a decline in wildlife in recent decades, largely due to the impacts of climate change, habitat fragmentation through development, and pollution of our natural habitats. All levels of local government can play their part in supporting nature across the district, with this guide building on the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the District Council’s Nature Recovery Plan.  

Nature recovery is one of district council’s highest priorities. Recently, the Council adopted the new Nature Recovery Plan that facilitates districtwide nature recovery and the protection and restoration of local habitats on the council's own land.  

Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Change, said, “The biodiversity crisis is something that affects all of us and it is all our responsibility to act on.  

“As a District Council we are committed to working closely with our communities. Restoring nature is no exception and we can all play our part in supporting our environment and wildlife.”  

Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment, said, “We have fantastic, proactive town and parish councils across the district that are already helping nature to recover. This guide will share this knowledge and assist others in taking action to restore and enhance nature in other parts of the district.” 

Work on the new guidance has been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.