LNRS user guides: Town and parish councils

There are 318 town and parish councils and parish meetings across Oxfordshire. Many parishes already manage land and are doing brilliant work to help wildlife. If every town or parish could deliver an action, large or small, to enhance existing habitats, create new wildlife areas, or support key species, this would make a big difference for nature. 

The LNRS can help your council identify key opportunity areas to support nature in your locality.

Take action for nature in your area

Nature recovery needs to happen at a large scale. Your local area has an important part to play. Our statement of biodiversity priorities lists key actions you can take to support the different habitats in your area and you could help by choosing an action or multiple actions from this list to deliver. 

If your parish includes woodland, grassland, fens, or ponds, you’ll find practical actions that you and members of your community can take to help these habitats. If you're in a more built-up area, check the ‘Towns and Cities’ section for relevant actions.

These priorities were developed in consultation with over 3000 people including local councils, communities, and environmental organisations - so by acting on them, you’ll be contributing directly to Oxfordshire’s shared goals for nature.

Target your efforts and support funding applications

Some areas of land are especially suited for restoring and connecting habitats across Oxfordshire. The local habitat map shows where your parish could take action to make the most significant impact and help create a joined-up network of nature.

You can use the map to see which habitats you could improve or create in your area and some species that you might be able to take action for. The map is a useful tool to support funding applications for nature recovery projects, showing how your plans align with county-wide priorities and are backed by ecological evidence.

Support the rare and threatened wildlife in your parish

Nearly 900 species in Oxfordshire are threatened or at risk of becoming extinct. Our species priorities list highlights about 60 target species that would benefit from local actions - from hedgehogs and swifts, to water voles and house martins.

There are images of maps that you can use to see which species have been spotted near your parish, and use this information to plan practical activities to support species near you. The list and maps also help you to make a case to funders or to your community about why this work matters for species on the brink of extinction and for Oxfordshire’s future.

Why the strategy is important

To find out more about Oxfordshire’s nature and the challenges we face, you can read and explore sections of our description of strategy area document.

Neighbourhood plans

The Biodiversity Duty (the NERC Act) now require all local authorities, including parishes to have regard to the LNRS when creating plans. Consider how you could incorporate parts of the LNRS actions, locations, and species into your Neighbourhood Plan to support nature recovery through planning decisions.

Funding

Oxfordshire County Council

Each county councillor has funding to support local causes this financial year.

Oxford City Council

Each Oxford City councillor has a £1,000 annual budget for projects that benefit their ward.

South Oxfordshire District Council

• £5,000 per councillor for community projects
• £50,000 available for nature recovery projects
• Capital grant funding for community groups

Vale of White Horse District Council

Offers up to £10,000 through the Climate Action Fund for projects that tackle climate change or restore nature.

Cherwell District Council

Visit the community grants page for available support.

West Oxfordshire District Council

Community groups can apply for funding for arts, heritage and wellbeing projects.

Get expert help and guidance

• Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
• Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC)
• Freshwater Habitats Trust
• CAG Oxfordshire
• Wild Oxfordshire
• 'Caring for God’s Acre'
• Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE)

Engage your community

Here are ideas and resources to help educate and involve your community in nature recovery. Use these at local events to raise awareness and encourage participation.

Influence local decisions

You can help make sure nature is considered in local planning and policy. Speak to your councillors and planners to share your ideas and priorities.