Cherwell refuses not one, but two solar farms, following impassioned reasoning from locals.

An array of solar panels on grass with blue sky in the background

Last week, Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee refused two solar farms: one proposed for the middle of Otmoor on the Oxfordshire Green Belt, the other on open countryside at Godington, a tiny village near Stratton Audley. In both cases the council’s planning officers had recommended approval. Local people spoke passionately about the environmental value of…

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Oxford Green Belt more valued now than 10 years ago

View of Oxford with trees in the foreground

Ten years ago we commissioned research into the Green Belt which showed that over 70% of Oxfordshire wanted it to remain undeveloped. This year we replicated the survey with a local research consultancy to see how opinion might have changed and were enthused to see that, in that time, support for the Green Belt has…

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CPRE Countryside & Environment Hustings

multiple arms raised in different colours

CPRE Oxfordshire will be holding a Countryside & Environment Hustings at 6.30pm on Monday 1st July at Yarnton village hall. Book your place here Join us for an evening of debate and discussion with the prospective parliamentary candidates for the new constituency of Bicester and Woodstock. This is your chance to hear directly from those vying for…

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Vote for a beautiful & thriving countryside for all

Our manifesto for the next Government CPRE believes in countryside and green spaces that are accessible to all, rich in nature and that play a crucial role in responding to the climate emergency. We want to see political parties commit to support common-sense and practical policies that would help secure a thriving countryside for generations…

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FoI request unearths EA’s advice to Secretary of State regarding Abingdon Reservoir

GARD aerial photo montage of Abingdon Reservoir

Following a Freedom of Information request, the Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD) have unearthed the Environment Agency’s advice to the Secretary of State regarding plans for the reservoir at Abingdon. Their report states that the plan should not go ahead due to “outstanding concerns regarding costs, justification and options appraisal” and points more firmly towards…

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Opening the Gates!

A group of people, and a dog, gather around an accessible gate, smiling to camera

Celebratory walk, 14th May On 14th May, we invited a small group of people on a 3 mile celebratory walk around Nuneham Courtenay/Marsh Baldon, to mark the completion of the current stage of our Oxford Green Belt Way improvement project. CPRE Oxfordshire has been co-ordinating a major improvement project, increasing accessibility on the Oxford Green…

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Reaching out to Refugees

A small girl smells some pink flowers

Trip to Harcourt Arboretum, 13th May Last month we worked with Refugee Resource in Oxford to organise a small outing to Harcourt Arboretum for local women and children. For many it was their first time visiting the Arboretum and we were able to talk to them about the Oxford Green Belt and other green spaces.…

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