A coalition of Oxfordshire’s leading community and wildlife organisations is calling for voters to put Oxfordshire’s natural environment first in the General Election.

Jayne Manley, chair of the Oxfordshire Environment Board and CEO of Earth Trust said: "Oxfordshire’s precious wildlife and natural beauty are under threat. Iconic species face local extinction and nearly all the rivers fail clean water standards.  

"A thriving natural environment is crucial for happier, healthier communities.

"Nature doesn’t have a vote, so we’re asking people who do have a vote to choose a future where Oxfordshire's treasured landscapes and wildlife can thrive again."

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To ensure nature tops the agenda, voters are encouraged to look for dedicated funding to protect and restore our natural environment; plans to actively involve local people in conservation decisions and efforts and a commitment to collaborate closely with councils to implement nature-friendly policies.

The Oxfordshire Environment Board has produced a Nature 2030 leaflet for people to download here https://www.oxeb.org.uk/nature-2030.html , to take to hustings in the coming weeks and ask candidates about their party’s policies for nature in Oxfordshire.

Helen Marshall, director of CPRE Oxfordshire, said: "We have five big nature asks of politicians: create more space for Oxfordshire's nature, ensure we have healthy nature for everyone, nurture Oxfordshire's green workforce, support nature-friendly farming, encourage corporate responsibility for nature's recovery.

"We need people to make sure that all the candidates, no matter which party they belong to, make restoring nature a top priority," said Estelle Bailey, chief executive of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.

"The party elected to power will determine if we can revive Oxfordshire's unmatched natural glory, and build healthier, more resilient communities," explained Camilla Burrow, CEO of Wild Oxfordshire.

"People want the freedom to enjoy nature, breathe clean air, drink safe water, and see more plants and wildlife around them."

"Healthy nature for everyone is vital for the health of our communities," said Katherine Chesson, director, Community Action Groups Oxfordshire.

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"Currently 197 neighbourhoods in Oxfordshire lack greenspace access, with 17 neighbourhoods meeting multiple criteria of concern.

"We need policies that enable people to access more natural greenspaces where they live."

"Nature-friendly farming must be properly supported by the next Government," added Ben Heaven Taylor, CEO of the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment.

"Over 74 per cent of Oxfordshire is farmed by people who care deeply about the landscapes they work in.

"Many have worked for decades balancing productive agriculture with healthy wildlife, but they can't shift to more sustainable practices without support and sustainable markets for nature-friendly farming."

"Nature plays a vital role in helping communities build resilience against climate change," added Tom McCulloch, Joint CEO of Community First Oxfordshire.

"We need to nurture Oxfordshire’s renewable energy, habitat conservation, and sustainable agriculture sectors.

"Targeted training initiatives are essential to create more than 10,000 green jobs."