Nature and carbon reduction projects in West Oxfordshire have been given a boost through a new partnership.
West Oxfordshire District Council has joined forces with Wild Oxfordshire, Wychwood Forest Trust and the Low Carbon Trust to tackle issues related to habitat loss, climate change and pollution.
Councillor Andrew Prosser, executive member for climate action and nature recovery at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "We’re fortunate to live in an area that is rich with diverse habitat.
"However, like most of the county, the district’s biodiversity has suffered overall declines during the last few decades.
"The landscape continues to be fragmented through accelerated housing growth, and increased infrastructure and traffic, as well as the removal of hedgerows and other development.
"Water quality and river habitats have been severely impacted by pressures from human activity and sewage pollution. Tackling the climate crisis remains an urgent challenge.
"We’re pleased to be working with these organisations, drawing on their experience and expertise to help us to deliver important climate and carbon reduction projects locally."
The partnership will see Wychwood Forest Trust progress the Windrush in Witney project, aiming to protect and enhance the landscape of the Windrush Valley.
It will also work to expand and enhance its Gibbets Close Hill reserve to boost biodiversity and landscape recovery.
Meanwhile, Wild Oxfordshire plans to lend ecology support to communities, concentrating on improving the public's knowledge and skills, with the aim of increasing the number of green spaces being managed for nature in the district.
Low Carbon Hub will receive funding for a project team to deliver the Community Action Plan for Zero-Carbon Energy.
A first-of-its-kind in the UK, the plan aims to achieve zero-carbon energy in the Cuckoo Lane Primary Substation Area, which includes Eynsham, North Leigh, South Leigh and Cassington, before 2050.
Households, businesses, schools and other organisations in the area will be supported in improving the energy efficiency of their buildings and switching to renewable electricity. The project also covers transport, planning for new homes and habitat restoration.
Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, executive member for environment at the district council, said: "We are extremely lucky to have so much nature recovery expertise in West Oxfordshire.
"Working in partnership with specialist organisations will enable the best and most innovative work to be carried out in the most cost-efficient way.
“The projects include supporting Wild Oxfordshire’s management of the Evenlode Catchment Partnership, which is working to improve natural flood management, water quality and river restoration and wetland creation of the River Evenlode and its wider catchment."
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