CPRE Oxfordshire

04/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome Marcus Gilleard as the new Director of CPRE Oxfordshire.

Marcus joins us at a pivotal time as we continue our work to protect, enhance and promote Oxfordshire's countryside at times of increasing pressure on land use against a backdrop of the climate and nature crises. With CPRE celebrating its centenary this year, we look forward to working with Marcus to build on our strong campaigning legacy and help shape a thriving future for the county's landscapes, communities and natural environment.

Marcus was officially introduced to members and supporters at our AGM this week, and we are excited to have him leading the organisation into its next chapter. We have no doubt that he will be a huge asset to the charity.

Read more about Marcus and his appointment here:

Having bid farewell to Lisa Warne at the end of May, we are delighted to welcome Marcus Gilleard as the new Director of CPRE Oxfordshire. Marcus brings a wealth of experience from his 30-year environmental career. Following a Master's degree in Environmental Technologuy at Imperial College, he joine...

04/06/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the rain to join us for our AGM last night at the beautiful Thame Barns Centre.

It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on everything we've achieved over the past year and to hear from our inspiring guest speaker, Caroline Mills, who shared her experiences of managing her 65-acre farm in the Cotswolds. She spoke candidly about both the joys and challenges of caring for such a special landscape, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding land that supports both nature and people. As a long-time supporter of CPRE and our mission to protect the countryside, she was the perfect speaker for the evening.

We were also delighted to introduce our new Director, Marcus Gilleard, who joined us this week — more news on that soon!

And finally, we raised a glass to celebrate CPRE's centenary: 100 years of championing a beautiful, thriving countryside for everyone. Here's to the next 100 years! 🌿🥂

01/06/2026

One to sign and share!

We want the government to include in its revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that the building of B8 warehouses and the 24/7 operation of such megasheds will not be permitted within 500 metres of residential properties.

01/06/2026

Are you a small business owner in Oxfordshire? Some great tips here if you're looking for sustainability support, from free energy assessments, to funding schemes and grants.

Find out what sustainability support for Oxfordshire SMEs is available, including free energy assessments, match funding for upgrades, practical checklists, local and national resources, and grant schemes to cut costs and emissions.

23/05/2026

Delighted to catch the end of the Radical Rural exhibition at .merl to see the Voices of the Countryside, celebrating 100 years of CPRE.

The museum is such a wonderful space, full of incredible exhibits honouring our rural past - and present - with lots of fascinating displays looking at rural activism through the ages.

The countryside is still very much alive, with no small thanks to The Campaign to Protect Rural England with their work protecting that which we all hold dear: clean air, healthy habitats and thriving wildlife, always keeping rampant development in check and offering a helping hand where it's needed.

Was great to see a copy of the Oxfordshire Voice in the cabinet too!

Exhibition ends Sunday 24th May so last chance!

21/05/2026

Yesterday we went to see the Campaign to Protect Rural England garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and we were blown away by it.

The On the Edge garden shines a light on the overlooked countryside on the edges of our towns and cities — places often undervalued, under pressure and full of extraordinary potential. The judges praised the garden for its emotional impact, craftsmanship and planting, recognising a design that combines naturalistic beauty with a powerful environmental message and we're delighted to say that it has been awarded a prestigious Gold Medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 and Garden of the Year in the Show Garden category.

At times the crowd were 5 or 6 people deep, trying to catch a glimpse. Some said they found the garden intensely emotional - it was a beautiful place to spend the day and an important reminder of how important nature is, wherever you can find it.

The people's vote is still (just) open so please do cast your vote and let's make it the people's choice too!

14/05/2026

Last chance to book tickets for our *Looking Out for Nature* citizen science workshop in Banbury this weekend!

Come and join us for a day of learning and exploration as we host a workshop in two halves...

From 10am we'll learn about how to look out for nature, which apps to use, what to look out for and how to register your findings.

After a short break, we'll move out into Spiceball Park to put theory into practice. We've got two experienced ecologists who will take you on a journey of exploration and observation.

No experience necessary. Bring a pack lunch and make a day of it!

Just £5 for the day, or FREE for CPRE members.

Ticket sales close at 5pm today, 14 May

Thanks to Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre and Community Action Groups - CAG Oxfordshire for their support. Together, we can make the world a better place for all of us🌿🦋 💚

14/05/2026

If a company reaps massive profits from ecological devastation, financial penalties are a drop in the ocean, so this is encouraging news.

Thames Water, had better think about cleaning up quick!

“When ecocide laws eventually reach the UK, one sector which is likely to find itself in the ecocide spotlight is the privatised water industry."

The Scottish Ecocide Bill failed to become law before the Scottish Parliament dissolved for the recent local elections, but some lawyers think ecocide laws could be coming to the UK far sooner than many predict. Stuart Spray outlines why this should make board members sit up...

14/05/2026

Some serious questions over these proposals as they 1) are not genuinely affordable at 80% market rate, 2) wont serve local people (dealing instead with Oxford's unmet need) and 3) come at the expense of more green belt land.

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26091258.oxfordshire-councillor-families-priced-area/

We must protect what's left!

Plans for a major new housing development on green belt slammed by Green councillor for pricing families out of the area.

12/05/2026

This isn't just happening in Hertfordshire. Numerous 'grey belt' sites are being proposed for development all over Oxfordshire.

Stand up for our countryside, because once it's gone, it's gone.