Oxfordshire is changing. From record-breaking heatwaves to unprecedented rainfall, our climate is shifting - but our communities are rising to the challenge. Discover how we’re adapting today to protect our tomorrow.
The climate emergency isn't just a future threat; it’s our current reality. Since 2007, Oxfordshire has faced 20 significant floods, 12 named storms, and 4 major heatwaves. These events impact our health, our food security, and our local economy.
But we have the power to adapt. By preparing our homes, businesses, and landscapes now, we can build a county that doesn’t just survive extreme weather, but thrives in spite of it.
In early 2025, we shared the results of Oxfordshire County Council's Climate Engagement Route Map.
This participatory project brought together residents, community groups, the NHS, and local businesses to decide how Oxfordshire should move forward. The data from the survey told us that:
Action must be local: You want resilience projects that happen right on your doorstep.
Nature is the answer: There is overwhelming support for "nature-based solutions"—using trees, wetlands, and green spaces to manage heat and water.
Equity is essential: Climate action must support those most vulnerable to extreme weather, ensuring no community is left behind.
This isn't just a report on a shelf; it’s a mandate for action. We, OCC, the district councils, and other strategic partners are now moving from consultation to delivery.
Action is already happening across the county. Through a partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, in 2026, we have delivered two rounds of grant funding totalling over £56,000. Grants have supported local groups with projects around community resilience, heat-safe homes and climate anxiety.
You can read about the latest round of grant recipients and the kind of projects they are delivering in our latest blog post.
Projects that received funding in January 2026 included projects such as:
Water Resilience: Groups like Bridge Street Community Garden and Stonehill Community Garden are installing advanced rainwater harvesting to protect local food supplies during droughts.
Beating the Heat: Transition Lighthouse in Oxford is installing a yurt to provide essential shade and a "cool space" for the community during extreme summer temperatures.
Flood Preparedness: Steventon Parish Council and Hendreds Environment Group are distributing educational "flood kits" and emergency plans to ensure every household knows what to do when the waters rise.
Citizen Networks: Bioabundance is improving allotment sites to create a "citizen food network" that can support residents during times of national food shortages.
You don’t have to wait for a storm to make a difference. Whether you’re an individual looking to volunteer or a group seeking support, there’s a place for you in Oxfordshire’s climate movement. With over 120 groups across the county, the Community Action Group (CAG) Network is the largest of its kind in the UK.
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