More Oxfordshire nature reserves to be managed by Earth Trust

An environmental charity has been awarded an expanded contract to manage two more nature reserves in Oxfordshire.

Earth Trust was given the contract by the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils to manage Tuckmill Meadows Reserve in Shrivenham and Besselsleigh Wood near Appleton.

This builds on the charity's successful history of managing sites in Wallingford, Didcot, and Abingdon, as well as Wallingford Castle Meadows and Abbey Fishponds.

The Trust's extensive volunteer community provided more than 15,000 hours of support across these sites in 2022-2023 alone.

Jayne Manley, chief executive officer of Earth Trust, said: "We’re thrilled that Oxfordshire councils have entrusted these greenspace gems into our care.

"It highlights the important contribution of Earth Trust’s role in enabling community-driven nature recovery and the need for more local greenspaces on peoples’ doorsteps.

"Through volunteer passion and dedication, together we can effectively manage sensitive habitats and increase access to nature."

Andrew Busby, head of development and corporate landlord at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, said: "South Oxfordshire District Council has been working with the Earth Trust for more than 20 years managing specific countryside sites.

“It is great news that we can now continue this successful partnership helping to maintain these important areas.

"It is great to see that the new contract will now expand the partnership with the trust to help us to better manage our sites in Shrivenham and Besselsleigh.”

The new agreement adds more than 35 acres of natural habitats to Earth Trust’s portfolio, which now include wildflower meadows, ancient woodlands, and a wetland home to over 450 recorded plant and animal species.

Earth Trust is looking forward to collaborating with the existing volunteer groups already established in both locations.

Simon Atkinson, director of Green Infrastructure and Nature Recovery at Earth Trust, said: "Local residents have put in countless hours tending these green spaces over the years, and we want to support them in continuing that important work while pursuing wider goals around conservation and community engagement.

“It’s a model we’ve seen succeed across our community reserves.”

John Page, chair of the Besselsleigh Wood Group, said: “As a group of amateur volunteers who care for the Besselsleigh Woods we are delighted to welcome Earth Trust’s professional involvement.

“Their knowledge and expertise will bring enormous benefit to the current care and future guardianship of our much loved woodland.”

The expansion of the contract allows Earth Trust to further its aim to create accessible green spaces where people and nature can exist together while shaping regional environmental policy.