South Oxfordshire District Council agrees £500,000 towards improvements for nature site
Published Thursday 5 March 2026
South Oxfordshire District Council has agreed to give £500,000 to fund major improvements at the Earth Trust site in Little Wittenham, making it safer and more welcoming for visitors to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Environmental charity Earth Trust looks after the largest free-to-access green space in Oxfordshire, at Wittenham Clumps. Each year around 200,000 people visit this area of open countryside including around 6,500 education visits. New housing in the area has increased the numbers visiting this public open space, which has had a significant impact on the small country lanes and parking nearby.
The charity has secured planning permission for the improvements which include building a new junction and access road and 80 new parking spaces, including disabled spaces. In addition, there will be new hedgerows and sustainable drainage installed. These upgrades aim to reduce traffic, resolve parking issues, and improve access to the site.
New safe walking and cycling routes will also be added, encouraging people to get outdoors and stay active. The project will create new jobs and volunteer opportunities, helping to strengthen the local community and economy.
The upgrades will make it easier for families, schools, and residents to visit, improving their health and wellbeing. It will also allow Earth Trust to become an even better space for learning about nature, with more opportunities for children and families to connect with the environment.
South Oxfordshire District Council agreed at a meeting this month to allocate £500,000 in funding for Earth Trust’s plans. This money comes from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) from developer contributions.
The wider scheme also includes a café and adventure playground, delivered through other sources and not through CIL.
By supporting this project, the council is helping to create a lasting community resource that will provide free access to nature and educational activities for years to come.
Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This funding is a big step in making sure the Earth Trust site becomes more accessible to everyone in our community. It’s not just about improving the site – it’s about creating a place where people can enjoy nature, stay active, and learn more about the world around them. We’re proud to support a project that will benefit generations to come.”
Earth Trust CEO, Ian Barrett, said: “Helping more people discover this beautiful place and enjoy time in nature is at the heart of what we do. Our new visitor hub and café will open this summer, ready to welcome both familiar faces and firsttime visitors, just as the meadows at Wittenham Clumps come into full bloom. A huge thank you to South Oxfordshire District Council for the CIL funding that makes this possible.”
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