What you can do as a community
Communities in the Vale have been at the forefront of climate action for many years.
Some of these Community Action Groups, which are often led by volunteers, work alongside Oxfordshire’s environmental organisations, local authorities and businesses to address the climate emergency. They do this through a wide variety of different projects which aim to change behaviours and tackle global warming.
More than 100 groups across Oxfordshire are also involved in nature recovery. To find your nearest one, check out this Wild Oxfordshire map.
Support available for community action
- Neighbourhood planning – a neighbourhood plan gives local residents a say in how their communities develop. It’s usually prepared by the town or parish council and community groups have a vital role to play. Community First Oxfordshire helps local people have a say in the process.
- Sustainability plans – One Planet Oxfordshire is a charity and social enterprise which supports communities to develop Action Plans for their neighbourhood, town or parish using the One Planet Living guide for communities.
- Low carbon communities – Low Carbon Hub supports neighbourhoods to save energy and develop renewable energy projects.
- Nature recovery and conservation – local environment groups such as Oxfordshire Treescapes and Wild Oxfordshire work with communities across the county to protect and enhance their natural environment through practical guidance and collaboration.
- Tree planting – if you would like to get involved in tree planting, check out our tree planting guide for communities. You may wish to request an Oxfordshire Treescape Opportunity Map, which identifies the right places to plant trees, hedgerows, community orchards, agroforestry and grasslands. You can achieve much more working in partnership, and CAG Oxfordshire’s Tree Collaborate group is a great way to connect with like-minded organisations.
- Reducing flood risk – climate change is already increasing flood risk and community groups have a vital role to play in helping households at risk, both to prepare for a potential future flood event and to recover afterwards. The National Flood Forum supports their network of Flood Action Groups to reduce flood risk.
- Waste reduction – CAG Oxfordshire have a list of useful resources for groups wanting to run campaigns to reduce waste such as repair cafes, swap shops, community fridges, and plastic free communities.
Other useful resources
We offer funding to support your community’s climate actions and can help organisations with fundraising advice and guidance.
Thermal cameras available to help identify heat loss
We have a thermal camera available for town and parish councils and community groups to use to identify heat loss in buildings. The infrared thermal imaging equipment can show clearly ‘cold spots’ where insulation could improve energy efficiency and thereby reduce energy waste and costs. It can easily locate areas of significant heat loss without invasive techniques affecting the fabric of the building.
If your organisation would like to borrow the equipment (free of charge) please contact the climate action team at climateaction@southandvale.gov.uk. The camera is only effective during cold weather when the heating is on and is available on a first come, first served basis.
Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action offers funding advice, training and support to help your group run effectively. The Climate Action Oxfordshire website offers further advice for community groups.
Contact us - Climate and biodiversity team
Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
