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Project updates

Village Amenity Upgrades – In progress

Berinsfield is getting a refresh! This project is improving the look, feel, and functionality of the village to make it a more welcoming place for residents and visitors. The upgrades include:

  • A new youth shelter with better seating and protection from the weather
  • A welcome sign at the village entrance – draft designs will be on display at a public showcase event in January 2026, and we’d love to hear your feedback. Visit our News page for more detail.
  • Refurbished benches and bins
  • Upgraded street signs for a consistent look (completed!)
  • A walking trail linking outdoor spaces, showcasing local history, public art, and encouraging residents to get active
  • Expanded play equipment, including options accessible for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), so everyone can play safely and enjoyably

These improvements are guided by the Community Insight Profile and the emerging Berinsfield Regeneration Strategy, ensuring that the upgrades address local priorities and help reduce health inequalities. The walking trail, designed with support from Public Health teams, encourages outdoor activity, healthier lifestyles, and easier access to local amenities.

This project is part of the wider Berinsfield Garden Village programme and reflects a long-term commitment to making the village a greener, safer, and more inclusive place to live.

Improving Green Spaces and Community Facilities in Berinsfield – Completed

The Berinsfield Garden Village team is delighted to share an update on the exciting regeneration work taking place across the village. During 2024–2025, we received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to deliver a range of projects that enhance green spaces, improve community facilities, and create more opportunities for residents to enjoy active and healthy lifestyles.

Working closely with a range of local partners and organisations, these projects build on Berinsfield’s strong community spirit and the shared vision for the village’s long-term regeneration.

Highlights of the 2024–2025 programme include:

  • Skatepark expansion and refurbishment – a larger, more inclusive space for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
  • New pump track – a purpose-built, hard-surfaced track created on the site of the former BMX dirt track, designed for bikes, scooters, and skateboards.
  • New pétanque court – offering a social and accessible activity space for residents and visitors.
  • Forest School at Abbey Woods Spinney – a new outdoor learning area encouraging children to connect with nature.
  • Wooden sculptures (phase 1 of Berinsfield Nature Trail) – beautiful handcrafted pieces installed around the village, celebrating Berinsfield’s natural environment and community identity.
  • Community garden at St Mary and St Berin Church – support for the church-led project to create a welcoming green space for reflection, growing, and community activity.
  • Tree planting – new trees on both South Oxfordshire District Council and Parish Council land, contributing to biodiversity and shade.
  • New benches – installed along Elaine’s Ditch and around the sports grounds to provide comfortable seating and gathering spots for residents and visitors,

Click on this link to see images of all the lovely new green spaces and facilities in Berinsfield.

Health and Wellbeing Project – In Progress

Our Health and Wellbeing Project is guided by the Berinsfield Community Insight Profile (CIP), developed in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council’s Public Health Team. The Profile brings together data and lived experience to understand local health needs, community strengths, and barriers to wellbeing.

Following the CIP, a Health & Wellbeing Action Plan was created. This plan now forms the basis of all health-related activity in Berinsfield and focuses on reducing health inequalities that disproportionately affect the community.

Key elements of the project include:

  • Profiling local needs: The CIP gathered data, community feedback, and insights to identify issues such as mental wellbeing, social isolation, youth opportunities, and financial pressures.
  • Community-led engagement: Residents contributed through interviews, focus groups, and surveys to shape priorities and solutions.
  • Targeted Action Plan: The resulting Action Plan focuses on improving access to community assets, strengthening social connection, supporting mental health, enhancing opportunities for young people, and improving access to healthy food and financial advice.
  • Ongoing delivery: A Community Health Development Officer (CHDO) leads on implementing the Action Plan within the wider Berinsfield Garden Village programme.
  • The Community Health Development Officer also works closely with the Health and Wellbeing Steering Group, a partnership of local organisations committed to reducing health inequalities in Berinsfield. Together, they support and oversee a range of community projects that are delivering the priorities identified in the Action Plan

The Action Plan aligns with the countywide Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy, ensuring that local work contributes to broader efforts to reduce inequalities across Oxfordshire.