We need to create and restore more woodlands, grasslands and wetlands that can lock-up carbon and help nature recover.

We need to make our streets, parks and other public spaces better for wildlife, people and the planet.

We need to help people connect with nature by improving public access to green spaces and the countryside.

We need to help local farmers support nature’s recovery, protect the countryside and produce food sustainably.

Do you want to see more local projects making a real difference for wildlife, people and the planet?

Do you need to find ways of responding to the climate emergency and supporting nature’s recovery?

Are you committed to reaching zero carbon and placing nature at the heart of a strong local economy?

Are you in the business of creating sustainable places that are rich in nature and great to live in?

Community Support

TOE has been supporting community-led environmental projects for many years. We firmly believe in the mantra ‘Think Global - Act Local!’ - and there are hundreds of groups and organisations based in Oxfordshire that want to make a difference.

With councils throughout the county declaring a climate emergency, we’re also witnessing a new wave of activity from residents seeking solutions; Oxfordshire’s communities are coming together in growing numbers, looking at what they can do to restore nature, reduce their carbon footprint and become more climate resilient.

To promote a joined-up approach, TOE works with other local environmental charities such as Wild Oxfordshire, BBOWT and the CAG Project. Together, we want to ensure that local communities have all the advice, resources and funding they might need to devise and deliver successful environmental projects.

Nature’s Recovery

Urgent action is required to reverse the loss of plants, insects and other creatures on which humanity depends for food, pollination, clean water and a stable climate.

The State of Nature in Oxfordshire 2017 report made it very clear that our county is not immune to this global issue. Supporting nature’s recovery is a key local priority.

Nature Recovery Networks are part of this response and a major commitment in the UK Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan. They are intended to improve, expand and connect habitats to address wildlife decline and provide wider environmental benefits for people.

A wide range of stakeholders, including TOE, have already begun work on a plan for nature’s recovery in Oxfordshire. By building upon existing Conservation Target Areas and other local habitat data, this new approach will help us target funding more effectively at much needed biodiversity projects. The draft Nature Recovery Map for the county has now been published and can be viewed here.

Natural Climate Solutions

Natural climate solutions help reduce carbon emissions and store more carbon in the landscape, whilst also having many other environmental benefits. Tree planting is one of the best-known examples, but there are many ways in which nature can act as an ally in the fight against climate change.

• We can use natural processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to land use.

• We can create and restore a variety of natural habitats that will capture and store carbon from the atmosphere.

• We can improve the health and resilience of ecosystems, which helps both people and wildlife adapt to a changing climate and the hazards it can bring, such has flooding.

The creation and restoration of more woodland, grassland and wetland habitats in Oxfordshire would have many climate benefits. There are also opportunities to work with farmers and land managers and help them adopt more nature and climate friendly approaches.