Earlier in the year we featured some case studies and information about CAG members that have received funding from the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE). We are pleased to share some more stories and also to let you know that the next funding round is open until 27th July.
TOE currently have two funding streams available that eligible CAG members are encouraged to apply for:
The Local Environment Fund offers grants up to £10,000 per project for work supporting biodiversity and public access to nature. They assess grant applications quarterly. Forthcoming deadlines this year are on 20 April, 27 July and 12 October.
Biodiversity Net Gain project funding is available from £10,000- £250,0000 per project. Expressions of Interest are invited from people and organisations that want to deliver biodiversity projects involving the creation, restoration or enhancement of wildlife habitats, as well as landowners.
CAGs who are interested in applying should contact TOE’s Operations Manager, Rachel Sanderson, to discuss their ideas: rachel.sanderson@trustforoxfordshire.org.uk. We hope the examples below inspire your group to take action!
Oxford Urban Wildlife Group
Boundary Brook Nature Reserve is a mosaic of wildlife habitats in east Oxford. A grant from TOE has enabled OUWG volunteers to plant trees and mixed native hedges, enhance the ground flora in the woodland with bulbs and plug plants, restore existing and create new grassland areas and glades, and create a pond dipping area. Path clearance and surfacing has also improved around the reserve for visitors. OUWG have been pleased to offer enriching opportunities for the local community to engage with the wildlife habitats at Boundary Brook, and all this activity has attracted more people to get involved in voluntary nature conservation, from practical work to species monitoring and surveying.
Case study – Thame Green Living
Using a grant from TOE, Thame Green Living started their project to conserve Rycote Meadow for wildlife. This precious water meadow represents an extension of the Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve immediately to the south, separated by the Oxford Road. In the first phase of a three year project, a new hedge of 700 native species and 25 trees were planted in November. Over 30 volunteers from the local community helped with the planting, including the Mayor and a couple of councillors from Thame Town Council. The new hedge and trees have been registered on the national map as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
