A total of £100,000 has been granted to 15 projects across the Vale of White Horse through the 2026/27 Vale Nature and Climate Action Fund. The funding, offered by Vale of White Horse District Council, supports charities, community groups, and local organisations undertaking climate action and nature recovery initiatives.
This year's funded projects include community woodland recovery coordinated by Faringdon Folly Tower Trust, a nature recovery action plan for Wantage and Grove by Sustainable Wantage, equipment repurposing by 30th Abingdon Scouts, and the installation of a heat pump at Stonehill Barn.
Cllr Robert Clegg, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Climate Action and Nature Recovery, stated: “These projects show the difference local communities can make when they are given the support to turn great ideas into action. From generating renewable energy and cutting carbon emissions to improving habitats for wildlife, the funded projects will have a positive impact across our community.”
He added: “We’re proud to support organisations that are helping to build a greener future and make their communities better places to live, work and enjoy nature. We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and the benefits they will bring for years to come.”
The funded projects aim to reduce carbon emissions, enhance local wildlife habitats, and promote sustainable living, aligning with the Vale of White Horse District Council's commitment to climate action and its goal of achieving net zero by 2045.
The fund, which opened for applications in May and closed on 21 June, awarded grants to a diverse range of initiatives. These include solar panel installations by the Court Hill Trust in Letcombe Regis, heat pump replacements by Stonehill Housing in Drayton and Abingdon, and battery storage systems for solar generation at the Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage.
Further projects include habitat restoration by the Long Mead Foundation in Cumnor, tree planting and habitat restoration by the National Trust in Coleshill, and a community-led tree planting initiative by the Faringdon Folly Tower Trust in Faringdon.
Restoration efforts also extend to the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust in Shrivenham, which is replacing petrol-powered equipment with battery tools, and the Oxford Preservation Trust in Sunningwell, focusing on restoring the rare valley fen at Lincombe Lane Field and Reserve.
District-wide initiatives include training for advisors on energy efficiency and waste reduction by Vale Community Impact, distribution of 1000 native trees by the International Tree Foundation, and propagation efforts for black poplar trees by the Cotswolds Rivers Trust.
Additionally, the Low Carbon Hub will provide energy assessments for three community buildings, and the Oxford Food Hub will glean surplus food from farms for processing and distribution.
