Oxfordshire environmental leaders are pushing for political action on nature recovery and are highlighting the role farmers can play.

The leaders say farmers are in a "critical position to reverse declines" as 74 per cent of Oxfordshire’s land area is farmland.

Jayne Manley, chair of the Oxfordshire Environment Board and CEO of Earth Trust, said: "We cannot reach our targets without shifting to sustainable, nature-friendly farming practices.

"But innovations across Oxfordshire show the potential for land-based sectors to deliver net zero, biodiversity, and natural solutions.

"Our farmers are pioneering low-carbon techniques, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience.

"With the right support, they can lead the transition toward a sustainable rural economy built on healthy landscapes."

The Oxfordshire Environment Board is encouraging people to sign an e-petition calling for ambitious nature policy in time for the 2024 elections.

Helen Marshal, director of Campaign to Protect Rural England Oxfordshire, added: "We must demonstrate the political will exists to implement these solutions.

"Help us reach 100,000 signatures so decision-makers take notice and make the natural world investments our county's farmers desperately need."

Ben Heaven Taylor, CEO of Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment said: "Farmers need robust investment and good public policies, consistently applied, to help them restore nature on their land and transition to nature-friendly farming.”

Camilla Burrow, chief executive of Wild Oxfordshire, added: "Farmers care deeply about the landscapes they work and the biodiversity of their land.

"But they can't shift to more sustainable practices without strong public support."