Local Eco News 📰
With every tree aflame, and Autumn’s glory smouldering in the hedgerows, we thought it high time for a smattering of eco news from the last few months and a heads-up of upcoming events to save the date for.
THE PARK HILL PATH
Park Hill recreation ground continues to evolve! If you haven’t been for a while, you won’t have seen the new circular path and wild flower mound that were put in earlier this term. Please do partake! The project was commissioned as part of an accessibility and path improvement initiative with funding from local allocations and district / parish project budgets including money from Cherwell District Council and ‘Section 106’ funds (i.e. money developers have to pay towards community benefit projects).
APPLE PRESSING! (3rd Oct)
Kidlington Abundance were out and about earlier this autumn. Due to the summer drought there were a lot less apples this year and so only one pressing was held at North Kidlington Primary school. That didn’t stop those who were able to come from enjoying cutting, scratting and pressing all those surplus apples that did come in, and then drinking deep drafts of that sweet sweet nectar, that liquid gold!
FORMATION OF K-BUG (The Kidlington Bicycle Users Group)
In the last few months, KEG members in collaboration with Cherwell District Council have set up a K-BUG. Similar groups exist in other parts of the county and are a vehicle (pun absolutely intended) for advising and facilitating the development of local cycling infrastructure. Chris Brennan (local representative for the Cycling Advocacy Network & Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly known as Sustrans) Volunteer Ranger) explains:
- ‘As a cycling group we will have a bigger voice in local government decisions about cycling infrastructure and routes
- we will hopefully encourage an increase in the number of people cycling
- Kidlington is now a town and the other towns in Cherwell District each have their own ‘bicycle user group’ (BUG)’
A stall at the Gala Day in July gathered interest and a group was subsequently formed. One particular focus are proposals for a 10 mile leisure cycling route around Begbroke/Yarnton/Kidlington, and the group have been inputing into the Oxford Greenways proposals (see here).
If you would be interested in getting involved please email Chris at oxcmb@yahoo.co.uk
LITTER PICKING (19 Sep)
Town Councillor Alison Street reports: “Eighteen volunteers turned up at Exeter Hall on Saturday morning 19th Sep for our Councillor led litter pick. It was a sunny but windy day, challenging for all those aiming to fill bags with everything from takeaway containers to cigarette butts. We had ordered a fresh supply of equipment and armed with high-viz vests, gloves, grabbers, framed bags and enthusiasm all set forth along seven pre-planned routes. These aim to cover side roads and alleyways across town, from Sainsbury’s up to the Miller and Carter pub and beyond. Those with cars offered to drive to their starting point and then drive their haul back to Exeter Hall before 12.00, in time for a cuppa and biscuits….
They walked and cleaned up in groups of twos and threes and returned with a competitive approach to test the weights of their bags. The heaviest was 6.4kilos, the lightest quite full with 1 kilo. One car returned from the northern end of the Bicester Road with scrap pieces of wood and metal. Altogether, 22 bags of rubbish were picked off the street, amounting to 71.7 kilos – that’s 10 kilos more than our last pick in April.
This leaves us with mixed emotions; proud to have been cleaning up Kidlington, but dismayed by the casual attitude people have in processing their everyday items – which has to take into account how waste is discarded, collected, recycled. Thank you to all litter pickers – a great job – again.
For more information for the next litter pick keep an eye on the town council website or contact Les via community@kidlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk “
ITS DRAUGHTBUSTING TIME!
The season for busting draughts is here and the team have already been out and about! Why not get ahead of the curve and request a visit from KEG’s wonderful Draughtbusting duo to get your home shipshape ready for the fast approaching winter months? This is a free community service that is good news for your comfort levels, energy bills, and carbon footprint. For more info and/or to request a visit see our webpage here: https://kidlingtonecogroup.co.uk/…/kidlington…/
That’s probably enough updates for now! – though with apologies: there’s so much more that has happened over the last few months – a People’s Emergency briefing, several bat walks, a community connection fair, a flood prevention event, a notable tree walk and more! But now, from looking back to looking ahead…
Upcoming Events 📆
Want to know what ecological things are going on locally over the next few weeks? Well here you go!
| Nov 2026 | |
| ⑦ | St Mary’s Fields Work Party | Sat 7th Nov, 10am-12pm | St Mary’s carpark (OX5 2BA) – Join the team of volunteers working on some winter tasks, encourage nature and monitor river quality. Also enjoy a well-earned slice of Julia or Rosie’s homemade cake at half time! |
| ⑩ | Exeter Hall Planters Growing Spaces Session | Tues 10th Nov, 1.30 – 2.30pm| At the back of Exeter Hall (OX5 1AB) – Come and join the volunteers tending the edibles and planting bulbs in the accessible planters and garden space. growspace@kidlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk |
| ⑫ | Woodland Trust Stratfield Brake Task Group | Thurs 12th Nov, 10am-1pm | Stratfield Brake, Frieze Way (OX5 1UP) – Sign up to help carry out a variety of practical tasks under the guidance of the Woodland Trust Site Manager, to keep the site looking great and pathways accessible, as well as help manage the woodland in line with management plans. A great way to learn skills and meet new people, the Working Group also directly contributes to the care and upkeep of valuable habitats. There may be some oak tree planting going on this month! Volunteers need to sign up via the Woodland Trust volunteers page here. |
| ⑬ | Ron Groves Growing Spaces Session | Fri 13th Nov, 1.30 – 2.30pm| Ron Groves Park, OX5 1HW – All welcome as we plant bulbs and more in the park! More info: growspace@kidlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk |
| ⑭ | Kidlington Repair Cafe | Sat 14th Nov, 10am-12pm | Kidlington Methodist Church, Oxford Rd (OX5 2BP) – Need to repair or restore an item? Drop in for repairs of electronics, household items, bicycles, textiles, toys etc. Also for restoring items, such as knife and tool sharpening. And a coffee while you wait! Last items taken at 11.30am. For more information see here. |
| Coronation Garden Work Party | Sat 14th Nov, 10am-12pm | Home Close (OX5 2DN) – Come along and join other volunteers as we look after the village’s youngest garden. We’ll be planting, weeding, and beautifying this already much-cherished oasis of calm in the heart of the village. | |
| ⑯ | Growing Spaces Session | Mon 16th Nov, 10–11am| In the playpark behind Exeter Close – Join us as we care for the wildlife & sensory garden beds in the play area. For more info contact: growspace@kidlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk |
| ㉑ | Park Hill Monthly Garden Work Party | Sat 21st Nov, 10am–12pm| Park Hill Recreation Ground (OX5 2DA) – Come and join the volunteers planting, socialising and developing the community garden space in the park. For more info contact growspace@kidlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk |
| ㉘ | No Waste Noel – Eco Christmas Market and Party | Sat 28th Nov , 11am–2pm | Exeter Hall (OX5 1AB) – Waste Innovation Station Headquarters (WISH) is putting on their annual community Christmas bonanza. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste this Christmas season or just hoping to enjoy a lovely community celebration with delicious food, activities, brilliant vendors, music, and more, No Waste Noel is the place for you. They have an incredible programme planned, sure to bring Christmas cheer to all ages. For more info see here. |
| ㉚ | Lyne Road Green Growing Spaces Session | Mon 30th Nov, 10–11am| Lyne Road Green (OX5 1UA) – Come and join the volunteers tending the planters on the Green. For more info contact growspace@kidlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk |
| Dec 2026 | |
| ① | Kidlington Towpath Taskforce | Tues 1st Dec, 10am-2pm | Roundham Lock, Partridge Place OX5 1SL – Come and help improve the canal environment through Kidlington at these drop-in volunteer working parties run by Canal & River Trust. Something for all skill levels. Come for all or part of the time. Sign-up via the Canal & River Trust Portal. Minimum age 18. |
| ③ | KEG Meeting | Thurs 3rd Dec, 1pm | Exeter Hall, in the Small Hall or Bar (OX5 1AB) – Join representatives of different local eco groups and enthusiasts to connect, communicate and collaborate. |
| ⑤ | St Mary’s Fields Work Party | Sat 5th Dec, 10am-12pm | St Mary’s carpark (OX5 2BA) – Join the team of volunteers working on some winter tasks, encourage nature and monitor river quality. Also enjoy a well-earned slice of Julia or Rosie’s homemade cake at half time! |
| CPRE time capsule – At some point on this day the plan is to bury a time capsule. Watch this space for more info! | |
| ⑩ | Woodland Trust Stratfield Brake Task Group | Thurs 10th Dec, 10am-1pm | Stratfield Brake, Frieze Way (OX5 1UP) – Sign up to help carry out a variety of practical tasks under the guidance of the Woodland Trust Site Manager, to keep the site looking great and pathways accessible, as well as help manage the woodland in line with management plans. A great way to learn skills and meet new people, the Working Group also directly contributes to the care and upkeep of valuable habitats. Volunteers need to sign up via the Woodland Trust volunteers page here. |
| ⑫ | Kidlington Repair Cafe | Sat 12th Dec, 10am-12pm | Kidlington Methodist Church, Oxford Rd (OX5 2BP) – Need to repair or restore an item? Drop in for repairs of electronics, household items, bicycles, textiles, toys etc. Also for restoring items, such as knife and tool sharpening. And a coffee while you wait! Last items taken at 11.30am. For more information see here. |
| Coronation Garden Work Party | Sat 12th Dec, 10am-12pm | Home Close (OX5 2DN) – Come along and join other volunteers as we look after the village’s youngest garden. We’ll be planting, weeding, and beautifying this already much-cherished oasis of calm in the heart of the village. | |
| ⑲ | Park Hill Monthly Garden Work Party | Sat 19th Nov, 10am–12pm| Park Hill Recreation Ground (OX5 2DA) – Come and join the volunteers planting, socialising and developing the community garden space in the park. Mince pies will probably be involved! For more info contact growspace@kidlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk |
Have your Say 📢
Proposed Development off Langford Lane 👷♂️
Residents are being encouraged to take a look at the planning application for the proposed development of four industrial units off Langford Lane, Kidlington. The application proposes approximately 8,312 sqm of industrial floorspace, including potential uses for general industry, warehousing and storage and distribution.
Planning application details: 26/02496/F – view the details and comment on this application via the portal here.
OxBUS 2040: Plan for Bus 🚌
OxBUS 2040: Plan for Bus is Oxfordshire County Council’s long-term plan to improve bus services across the county over the next 15 years. The council would like to hear your views on the draft plan to help them understand whether they have identified the right priorities, actions and ambitions for the future of bus travel in Oxfordshire. Click here for more information and to submit your input. Closing date 17th Nov!
If you have any local eco news or events to feed in to our next monthly digest please email: kidlingtonecogroup@gmail.com
Our next KEG meetings are on Thurs 3 Dec from 1pm @ Exeter Hall in the committee room. All welcome!
Leave a Reply