Residents invited to have their say on the future of West Oxfordshire’s waterways
Residents are invited to learn more about the challenges facing West Oxfordshire’s rivers, streams and natural water resources at the District Council’s Waterways Day 2026.
Taking place on Friday 9 October at the Corn Exchange in Witney, the free annual event has been well attended in previous years and will once again bring together experts, organisations and communities to discuss issues including water pollution, development, flooding, agriculture and nature recovery – and what can be done to better protect our waterways for the future.
Throughout the day, a programme of talks and panel discussions will explore the relationship between development, infrastructure and water quality, as well as water pollution and accountability. Later sessions will look at flood risks and mitigation, before turning to the role of catchment partnerships, agriculture and nature recovery in supporting healthier waterways.
Each session will feature expert speakers followed by a panel Q&A, giving residents the opportunity to hear different perspectives and put their own questions to those working on these issues.
Councillor Alistair Wray, Executive Member for Environment, said: “West Oxfordshire’s waterways are hugely important to our communities, our environment and the future wellbeing of the district.
“There are many interconnected challenges facing them, from pollution and the impact of development to flooding, agriculture and the need to restore nature. Waterways Day is about bringing those conversations together and giving residents the opportunity to hear directly from the people working on these issues.
“We also want people to be able to ask questions, understand what is being done and find out how they can play a part in protecting and improving our rivers and streams.”
Alongside the talks, visitors can drop into the Gallery at the Corn Exchange between 10am and 5pm, where organisations working on local waterways will have stalls and information available.
Residents will be able to meet those involved in protecting and improving local waterways, learn more about the work already taking place and find out how they can get involved.
Places for the talks and panel discussions are free but should be booked in advance through Eventbrite. There is no need to book to visit the stalls in the Gallery. Further details about the programme and participating organisations will be announced ahead of the event.