The council has successfully completed the first year of its joint Nature and Climate Action Plan, developed with South Oxfordshire District Council. Following recent cabinet meetings, a programme of further actions has been approved for the coming year, aiming to cut carbon emissions, boost biodiversity, improve green spaces, and prepare communities for climate change impacts.
A key achievement highlighted is the transformation of Abbey Gardens in Abingdon. A new planting scheme, focusing on drought-tolerant perennial plants, has replaced 70 per cent of annual bedding plants. This reduces watering needs, provides nectar-rich habitats for pollinators, eliminates peat use, and cuts carbon emissions from plant deliveries. The new approach is also expected to lower maintenance and future planting costs.
Education and awareness have been central, with a new climate e-learning programme completed by 457 council officers, exceeding 70 per cent staff participation. An enhanced accredited carbon literacy training course is set to be rolled out during 2026/27 to further embed climate awareness across the organisation.
The council is also investigating innovative ways to decarbonise heating systems. Working with consultants, it is assessing the potential use of waste heat from proposed data centres to supply low-carbon heating to areas like Milton Park and nearby housing developments. This feasibility study, supported by government grant funding, could offer an alternative to fossil fuel heating systems.
To inspire district-wide action, new Sustainability Stories webpages have been launched, showcasing local organisations leading on climate action and nature recovery. Featured organisations include Sustainable Blewbury, which has established new woodland; the Harwellian Club, which has installed solar panels and heat pumps; and the Vale and Downland Museum, which has implemented solar panels and an educational display on solar technology.
“"These achievements demonstrate the council’s continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions, supporting wildlife, enhancing green spaces and helping communities adapt to a changing climate."
“"While there is still much more to do, we are proud of what has been achieved over the past year and look forward to building on this momentum as we continue our journey towards a greener and more resilient district."
