FoSB: Friends of Stratfield Brake

19/10/2026

This map from 1820 clearly shows Stratfield Brake Woodland in the same size and shape it is today. The reason Natural England reversed its decision to classify the wood as 'Ancient Woodland' just before the stadium planning meeting in August 2025, was because Oxford United's consultant sent them a report with maps from 1823 and 1831 which didn't show the wood. It's not uncommon for small woods to be missed off these kind of maps, BUT what we really want to know is...

Why has Natural England in the Thames Solent Area STILL NOT reinstated Stratfield Brake on the Ancient Woodland Inventory, a year after it was shown the 1820 map?

15/10/2026

FoSB has submitted a formal complaint to Natural England. We'll issue further updates in due course, but for now, here's an email we obtained following a FOI request, from Anneliese Dodds' office to Natural England shortly before the stadium Planning Committee meeting. https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26639990.campaigners-issue-fresh-complaint-oxford-united-new-stadium/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcAU9ywFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHuS61CLXTyYPKooPq_niznbAFBC2hRPt4loMTP1uNkKOFsHDlbG0Lr7yVXjY_aem_7--HPYkON8yJlNfMPyutRg

15/10/2026

If you heard FoSB on the radio morning and want to know more about Natural England's u-turns on classifying Stratfield Brake woodland as 'ancient woodland', head to our website for the latest update: https://www.friendsofstratfieldbrake.org/2026/10/14/natural-england-s-u-turns-over-stratfield-brake-east-woodland/ And if you missed us this morning, here's the link (from about 07:50 onwards) (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032g7f).

When is Ancient Woodland not Ancient Woodland? Well, insofar as Stratfield Brake East woodland is concerned, this question has seemingly confounded Natural England for quite some time now...

02/10/2026

Welcome to our new followers. This campaign page documents our opposition to a football stadium on Kidlington's green belt; the road closures it will sadly entail for local residents; and the Ancient Woodland we believe it will destroy. We have no reason to apologise for our campaign. If you don't agree with our campaign, there are plenty of other pages and groups set up to support Oxford United and its new stadium. Individuals getting angry with us and/or our campaign in the comments, will be blocked.

01/10/2026

https://www.friendsofstratfieldbrake.org/2026/10/01/legal-update-appeal/

Our lawyers have advised that we have grounds to appeal the judge’s decision to refuse permission for a judicial review of the planning approval for the proposed football stadium on the Triangle...

25/09/2026

https://www.friendsofstratfieldbrake.org/2026/09/25/legal-update-oral-permission-hearing-outcome/

On Thursday 24th September the high court judge refused FoSB permission for a full judicial review hearing regarding the planning decision for the proposed football stadium on the Triangle. We have seven days to apply...

18/08/2026

Latest update here:

Our oral permission hearing has been listed for 24 September 2026. The judge will receive papers in advance and on the 24th will listen to the legal arguments from each party...

09/08/2026

Kidlington Trees need all the help they can get! https://www.facebook.com/share/1DbxcYGzSy/

A page dedicated to capturing the beauty and importance of Kidlington's trees, supporting their care, maintenance and preservation, and the need for greater tree cover as a defence against climate change.

09/07/2026

An interesting article here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/26265822.oxford-united-set-go-temporary-transfer-embargo/. Before precious wildlife habitat and green space is permanently destroyed (and not for the first time by the club for a new stadium), could anyone please explain how the club will find a spare £150,000,000+ for stadium construction cost?! Perhaps our local councils know...🤔

Oxford United are set to be placed under a temporary transfer embargo ahead of the new League One season with an announcement expected soon.

10/06/2026

Following Oxford United's recent press release, we would like to clarify that our judicial review claim is against the planning authority, Cherwell District Council. OUFC Ltd and Oxfordshire County Council are both interested parties: they can actively participate in the proceedings as they are affected by the claim.

OUFC is applying to the court to have the claim expedited i.e. put before a judge more quickly. We are not opposing this.

As we have stated previously, whilst the current situation is regrettable, OUFC's management remain entirely responsible for the club's current predicament, and in particular, the failure to have a Plan B.