We are lucky in Oxfordshire to have a wonderful group of hard-working, passionate, and knowledgeable individuals employed by a variety of organisations (charities, local government, DEFRA bodies, protected landscapes, businesses, farmers, landowners), in addition to numerous volunteer community groups and individuals, all contributing towards nature’s recovery.
Our Directory allows you to search and explore groups and organisations across the County so that you can get the support you need to take action for nature, or join one of the groups or organisations and help them.
https://21stcenturythame.co.uk/
Since 2019, 21st Century Thame has turned its attentions to protecting and enhancing the environment in and around Thame. The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire awarded the group an award in recognition of great and valuable service to climate action in Oxfordshire in 2022. Over 7000 trees have been planted and have initiated new projects such as the Hedgehog Highways Project. We are keen to do more to help all the wildlife especially those that can thrive in gardens.
We have 3 layers of volunteering: lead project groups, street champions and individual residents working within their own garden or home. To join the projects contact: trees@21stcenturythame.co.uk
www.earthtrust.org.uk/visit-us/abbey-fishponds/
www.abingdongreengym.org.uk
Green Gyms help people become physically and mentally healthier by taking part in practical nature conservation activities to improve their local environment. Everyone is welcome to join
Everyone is welcome to join including under 16s accompanied by a guardian. For more information see the website http://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/how-green-gym-works. Full information and map references on website. We provide tools, training and refreshments. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes or boots (trainers not advisable). Please ensure that your tetanus inoculation is up to date.
www.abnats.org.uk
Abingdon Naturalists' Society is an expert wildlife group, set up in 1967 for opportunities to learn about the natural world, promote conservation, and - just as important - to get out and see it in the company of experts and friends. Butterflies, bats, fowl, flora, fungi ... all on the agenda.
www.adderburypc.co.uk/adderbury-lakes.php
Nature Reserve
www.withymead.org
Withymead is a Nature Reserve left in trust by Anne Carpmael.
Please contact the Wardens for details of volunteering opportunities.
www.anhso.org.uk
Promoting the study and enjoyment of natural history in Oxfordshire Welcome to the Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire. The main Society provides walks and talks but does much of its work through its special interest groups.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/oxfordshires-national-nature-reserves/oxfordshires-national-nature-reserves#aston-rowant
Aston Rowant NNR near Watlington is one of the country's most important nature reserves.
www.theastons.net/groups---clubs/the-astons-environment-group
Tree Surveys, guided walks, garden watches
www.friendsofastonseyot.org/
Aston’s Eyot is a nature reserve with public access in East Oxford, managed by the charity Friends of Aston’s Eyot. The eyot is a 32-acre island in Oxford. It’s formed by the River Thames, the River Cherwell and Shire Lake Ditch. Once upon a time, it was a rubbish tip. Now it’s a haven for wildlife. It’s a mosaic of woodland, open area and scrub.
We have a work party on the last Sunday of every month, 2.30 - 4.30pm, followed by a picnic tea. Meet at the entrance at the bottom of Jackdaw Lane. Wear strong shoes or boots and bring gardening gloves
www.bbowt.org.uk
Your local Wildlife Trust has a vision of a wilder Berks, Bucks and Oxon. We’re restoring nature across these beautiful counties and empowering people to connect with their local wildlife. As we work to manage habitats to tackle the nature and climate crises locally, we provide vital breathing spaces in a crowded world.
Our expert team work with more than 1,700 volunteers to look after 85 nature reserves and four education centres, run hundreds of amazing events, and campaign to make nature’s recovery a reality. Check out our website for current volunteering opportunities https://www.bbowt.org.uk/volunteering-opportunities
www.banburyornithologicalsociety.org.uk
Founded in 1952, the Banbury Ornithological Society (BOS) studies the bird life in the twelve 10km squares surrounding Banbury which includes parts of Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire
www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk
www.abnats.org.uk/bf_home.html
Tools provided. Wear old clothing and wellies or stout shoes. Alternative tasks are available. Refreshments will be provided. Tasks may change. Please let us know if you are coming.
www.bensonnaturegroup.com
Benson Area Nature Group's mission is to help restore nature across our area. We want our villages to be permeable to wildlife, making chance encounters with nature an everyday delight. Our Group is currently a collective of local nature groups covering Benson and the surrounding villages of Ewelme, Berrick and Warborough and Shillingford.
We have regular volunteering tasks organised for our green spaces. Please contact us to find out more.
www.bicestergreengym.org
Green Gyms help people become physically and mentally healthier by taking part in practical nature conservation activities to improve their local environment. Everyone is welcome to join
Everyone is welcome to join including under 16s accompanied by a guardian. For more information see the website http://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/how-green-gym-works. Full information and map references on website. We provide tools, training and refreshments. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes or boots (trainers not advisable). Please ensure that your tetanus inoculation is up to date.
www.wychwoodproject.org/cms/content/bird-aid
a West Oxfordshire based charity
'Bird Aid would welcome more volunteers to help with running the project; help with the bird surveying from December to March
info@wychwoodproject.org.uk
Nature Reserve
Bridewell Gardens provides a mental health recovery service in a beautiful walled garden and vineyard in West Oxfordshire (near North Leigh). We help people recovering from a severe and enduring mental illness in Oxfordshire and have a minibus to collect people from Witney and other places. People usually get referred from Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership (NHS, Oxfordshire Mind and other mental health organisations in the charity) as well as from GPs and social prescribers.
www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk/community/environment-group
The Group has taken on practical projects to improve the village environment, including raising awareness, development of practical skills such as hedge laying, recording traffic and observing and monitoring the birds in their gardens.
We are a group of residents of Burford and surrounding villages, formed in 2021. We meet regularly to talk about what we can do to improve our environment. Our members also get involved in activities such as litter picking, tree planting, the community allotment, repair cafes and organising events, such as talks about relevant topics, e.g., wildlife, composting and energy saving measures. We usually meet at 7:30pm on the third Monday of every month at the Prince of Burford pub to plan future activities, however check the latest meeting details on our website as sometimes we hold talks instead.
www.upperthames-butterflies.org.uk/
Founded in 1982, the Upper Thames Branch of Butterfly Conservation aims to protect butterflies, moths and their habitats in the three counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The rolling hills of the Chilterns, the broad vales of Oxford and Aylesbury, the ancient Bernwood Forest complex, the edge of the picturesque Cotswolds and the heathlands of south-east Berkshire are all to be found in the three counties.
www.cpreoxon.org.uk
We believe in countryside and green spaces that are accessible to all, rich in nature and playing a crucial role in responding to the climate emergency. With a local CPRE group in every county in England, we’re advocating nationwide for the kind of countryside we all want: one with sustainable, healthy communities and available to more people than ever, including those who haven’t benefited before. We stand for a countryside that enriches all of our lives, regenerating our wellbeing, and that we in turn regenerate, protect and celebrate. Some people might remember us as ‘The Campaign to Protect Rural England’ – our previous name, and one of several in our long history. We’ve worked for almost a century to support and promote the countryside, and we’ll be doing this for generations to come. That’s why we call ourselves ‘the countryside charity’.
CPRE has existed for almost a century, and volunteers have been at the heart of our successes. Every volunteer makes a difference to the countryside we feel so passionate about, and we value their contribution enormously. With your support, we can achieve even more. We have a dedicated hub of information for our volunteers. This is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about volunteering with us, from finding opportunities to guidance and support.Ready to explore? Get stuck in by diving in to see what opportunities we have on offer. https://www.cpre.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/
www.cfeonline.org.uk
A partnership of agricultural, environmental and governmental bodies, promoting good environmental management through productive farming practices to Champion the Farmed Environment
www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/
www.ceh.ac.uk
We are an independent, not-for-profit research institute. Our 500 scientists provide the data and insights that researchers, governments and businesses need to create a productive, resilient and healthy environment.
www.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare offers strategic input and consultancy on sustainable healthcare research and practice to national and local programmes. Our Sustainable Specialties programme mainstreams sustainability within clinical areas so that it is integral to the planning of health systems and healthcare practice. The programme is supported by our work in medical education and in carbon modelling of clinical care. Our green space projects, including our NHS Forest(link is external), assist organisations to improve their natural environment and reconnect their staff, patients and the wider community with their local green space to benefit their health.
www.cherwell.gov.uk/environment
www.chilternsaonb.org
The aim of the Chiltern Woodlands Project was to promote and encourage the sensitive and sustainable management of Chiltern woods in order to protect the landscape of the Chilterns and maintain and enhance its biodiversity. The Project was started in 1989 by The Chiltern Society then became an independent charity, based in the Chilterns Conservation Board office.
If you are concerned about climate change and loss of species in the Chilterns, have a passion for wildlife and conservation and would like to help but aren’t sure where to start – you’ve come to the right place! There are so many environmental organisations and community groups in the Chilterns that need volunteers, and the range of opportunities is wider than you might think. If you have a volunteering opportunity that you’d like us to add, please let us know! https://www.chilternsaonb.org/whats-on/volunteering/
www.chilternsaonb.org
The Chilterns Conservation Board is an independent body established by Parliamentary Order in July 2004, its members are all drawn from local communities.
www.chippygreengym.org/
Green Gyms help people become physically and mentally healthier by taking part in practical nature conservation activities to improve their local environment. Everyone is welcome to join
Everyone is welcome to join including under 16s accompanied by a guardian. For more information see the website http://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/how-green-gym-works. Full information and map references on website. We provide tools, training and refreshments. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes or boots (trainers not advisable). Please ensure that your tetanus inoculation is up to date.
https://www.climateed.net/
Climate Ed was set up in 2020 with the 2030 goal of ensuring high quality climate education is available to every primary school child. Our five-module education programme aims to: ● Increase understanding among children of climate change and how we can mitigate it. ● Inspire children and their families to take action to reduce their emissions. ● Reduce climate anxiety among young people by empowering them to take action. ● Improve dialogue and collaboration between adults and children about climate change. Over 10,000 children have now participated in the programme, and we continue to receive high levels of demand for our programme from schools.
Inspire children in Oxford to take action against climate change by becoming a ClimateEd volunteer. Volunteers go into a primary school in the Oxford area to deliver a workshop programme about climate change/carbon footprints and inspire the children to start taking action! If you are knowledgeable about sustainability, and enjoy interacting with children and answering their questions, fill out this short form to find out more: https://forms.gle/SYkn28HDRU6y9Upi9.
www.combemill.org
www.communityfirstoxon.org/
CFO is a community development charity which helps communities and individuals to identify issues that affect them and find their own solutions. We support and advise volunteer-led actions in Oxfordshire, helping hundreds of volunteers fulfil many roles in their communities. We support the principles of Asset-based Community Development. We think that stronger, more sustainable communities are built using the skills and gifts that people already have.
No web site available
Join our monthly volunteer team at Cothill National Nature Reserve working on Natural England's Ruskin Reserve (next door to BBOWT's Parsonage Moor Site). The team meets on the 1st Friday of the month 9.30am-3pm. The fen site is one of the most species rich lowland calcareous fen systems in the UK and tasks will include; red cutting scrub clearance coppicing fencing and access work. For more information and to join the volunteer email list please call or email with the subject heading volunteer at Cothilll NNR.
www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
The Cotswolds Conservation Board is made up of 37 members who all take part in making key decisions that directly affect the Cotswolds AONB. Members gather at Board, Executive and Sub-Committee meetings across the year and are drawn from three tiers of regional government to ensure that a fair and broad range of views and areas of expertise are reflected. Of the 37 members, 15 are nominated by local authorities, eight by parish councils and 14 are appointed by government.
www.lotc.org.uk
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom is a registered charity existing to champion learning outside the classroom (LOtC).
www.cla.org.uk
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales. The CLA has in-house regional and national advisers who can offer members a wealth of knowledge, expertise and impartial advice on all areas of landownership.
www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/
A resource centre for school activities to connect children with food, farming and nature
https://www.cumnorf4f.org/
During 2020, a small group of people who live in Cumnor Parish, sat down to think about what we could do to protect and enhance our environment. Cumnor Parish has incredible access to green spaces, wildlife sites, woodland and natural stretches of water. And we have a strong tradition of volunteers coming together to protect and enhance those assets. The Cumnor Conservation Group has, and continues to, work hard to manage the SSSI site at The Hurst and the Village Pond. This group is supported by Cumnor Parish Council and Natural England.
Got an idea or want to find out more? To get in touch Email: cumnorf4f@gmail.com
www.cuttlebrook.org.uk
Come and join our friendly team on this lovely nature reserve in Thame. Work parties are held twice a month on the last Wednesday and third Sunday. Meet in the scout hut car park (next to the Southern Road recreation ground) at 10am. All ages and abilities welcome.'
www.deddingtonhistory.uk/guides/daedaswood
Daeda's Wood is a nature reserve managed by the Woodland Trust. You can Download Daeda's Wood Management Plan and help out with the Friends of group
www.earthtrust.org.uk
A conservation charity that foscusses on education, habitat management demonstration and engagement
Join our friendly teams to carry out practical land management tasks across all of the Earth Trust's sites. All levels of experience are welcomework is very seasonal and all training and safety equipment is provided. Further details of all our groups can be found at https://earthtrust.org.uk/volunteering/conservation-volunteering/ or email volunteering@earthtrust.org.uk'
https://earthwatch.org.uk/
Earthwatch Europe is your local branch of the international Charity, Earthwatch. It is an environmental charity with science at its heart. We connect people with the natural world, monitor the health of our natural resources, and help people take action to have a positive impact. Earthwatch connects people with scientists worldwide to conduct environmental research and empowers them with the knowledge they need to conserve the planet
www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/ecotherapy-works/
An ecotherapy project with mental health charity, Minds who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Volunteering at Mind can be a really rewarding and valuable experience. And there's more ways of doing it than you might think. Check our website for opportunities
www.eco-schools.org.uk/
Empowering young people to protect our planet since 1994. Our programme aims to rally and unite young people to make realistic but dynamic change, creating positive impacts for our planet now. We’re committed to working with educators to ensure our programme works for them, supporting them to teach young people the skills and knowledge needed to benefit and improve our planet throughout their lifetimes.
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
EA is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs,
www.eci.ox.ac.uk
Oxford University's Centre for the Environment
www.earth.ox.ac.uk
Oxford University's Department of Earth Sciences is an interdisciplinary applied science department housed in state of the art facilities. Part of the University of Oxford’s Maths, Physics and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division, the department is home to around 120 undergraduate students, 80 graduate students, 30 lecturers, 60 researchers and 30 administrative and technical support staff. Laboratories and offices are complemented by spacious social zones, lecture and conference rooms, a library and a stunning entrance atrium.
www.ewelmewatercressbeds.org/
Local nature reserve. Location of Watercress centre - SU641916 (OX106HJ) Ewelme is situated at the western end of the Chilterns, on the eastern slopes of the Thames valley. It is in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
First Saturday and third Wednesday each month Ewelme Watercress Beds Centre. Near Wallingford. SU641916. Bring Wellies.