We have a duty to conserve biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.
We can directly and indirectly influence biodiversity protection and enhancement in a variety of ways. For example, through the management of our parks and open spaces, through our planning powers and through our community activities.
Biodiversity Action Plan 2015-2020
We have adopted our Biodiversity Action Plan which provides a framework to ensure that our responsibilities to biodiversity are integrated into all of our policies and that there is a clear understanding from all staff on how biodiversity issues relate to their own decisions and actions. It also highlights the work we’ve currently done to protect and enhance biodiversity.
The action plan is a corporate document which seeks to work as a practical tool for us to influence and encourage biodiversity work within our direct influence. It is not intended to be a Biodiversity Action Plan for the city as a whole.
Biodiversity Action Plan 2015-20 (PDF)
Getting involved
You can volunteer in our parks and open spaces. For more information visit our Volunteering page.
There are also opportunities to get involved in the numerous groups in Oxford that work to protect and enhance biodiversity in the city.
Oxfordshire's Local Nature Partnership, Wild Oxfordshire, has a directory of these groups on their website.
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust also have information on how to get involved.
Trees and our urban forest
In September 2021 we adopted our Urban Forest Strategy - a Master Plan to 2050 which sets a strategic framework for managing our urban forest and seeks to maximise the benefits for both nature and all Oxford’s residents and visitors.
