Wildlife diversity continues to plummet in Oxfordshire despite protected sites. We must make existing habitats bigger, better and more connected to reverse this trend. Local communities want to do their bit. Many have declared a “Climate and Ecological Emergency”. They are concerned about loss of green spaces to development and value access to nature for health and wellbeing. Emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategies rely on local input, but voluntary groups lack leadership and expertise.

With extra staff time we will help more grassroots groups: •Responding to enquiries from emerging groups, providing training and advice. •Supporting parishes doing neighbourhood plans, ensuring they maximise biodiversity. •Reaching out to urban environment groups, providing advice on integrating wildlife diversity with carbon capture. •Providing training in ecological recording and managing land for wildlife and climate change. •Growing knowledge-sharing networks; introducing on-line tools.