Wild Wantage
Nature under pressure
Across the UK, biodiversity is declining due to development, intensive farming, and climate change. In Wantage and Grove we’re lucky to be surrounded by countryside and have Letcombe Brook, a rare chalk stream, flowing through. Populations of now quite uncommon farmland birds such as the grey partridge, yellowhammer and corn bunting can still be seen on the edge of Wantage. Protected species such as the otter and water vole inhabit the Letcombe Brook and a few swallows and swifts still return each year to nest on local buildings. However the Oxfordshire area has only 4% tree cover, making it one of the lowest ranking nationally, and once common species such as grass snake, common lizard and wall butterfly are either declining or lost in this area.
Healthy ecosystems give us clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil. Every species plays a role, and by protecting them, we protect ourselves.
What we do
Wild Wantage is dedicated to enhancing local biodiversity, and maintaining and improving the green spaces in our community. Since launching in 2020, we’ve been mapping wildlife corridors, planting trees and hedges, restoring habitats, and working with schools, landowners, businesses and local organisations to create a healthier environment for people and nature.
Our activities include:
Tree and hedge planting to connect habitats
Species surveys to monitor local wildlife
Community workshops and events to share knowledge and skills
Working in our green spaces to support pollinators and native species
Together, we’re making Wantage and Grove a place where wildlife can thrive.
Green Gym
On the second Friday of each month, 10am – midday, we have Green Gym, working on practical outdoor tasks to maintain and improve habitats for local biodiversity. If you’d like to keep fit and help wildlife, come and join us!
From gardening to tree planting, hedge care to scything, Green Gyms help your physical and mental well-being and our local environment. Check our events page to see where the Wild Wantage Green Gym will be popping up next.
Biodiversity surveying
Over the spring / summer of 2024 Wild Wantage carried out a Baseline Biodiversity Survey, funded by Vale of White Horse District Council Climate Action Fund. This identified plant life and wildlife in our local area, along with mapping our green corridors and working out ways to improve them. Overall 180 local residents participated, collecting more than 1,000 records relating to 316 species.
Click here to view the report.
Any biodiversity survey is necessarily incomplete as the recording of some categories of flora and fauna requires highly specialised knowledge and equipment. However, this was an important first step in identifying biodiversity across some of our most valuable habitats and will help inform our future activities.
Taking action at home
Making space for wildlife in our gardens can greatly benefit our local birds, mammals, insects and pollinators, and help connect green spaces across our community. Why not treat your garden like a mini nature reserve?
How about:
Feeding the birds
Putting up a nesting box
Creating a wild patch in your lawn
Planting for pollinators, including those that are out at night-time
Putting up a bee or butterfly house
Creating a pond
Planting a tree
Adding a log pile
Making a hole in the base of your fence so hedgehogs can pass through
And watching to see what comes to visit!