UPDATE: Dates have been set for the Public Inquiry into the Compulsory Purchase of land from OPT and others to run from 14 November until the Christmas break. OPT is not opposing the scheme but has appointed experts to put their case to the independent inspector relating, in particular, to the damage to Hinksey Meadows and the loss of rare MG4a grassland, and raising the issue of why alternative routes were not properly considered.  

The Snake's-head Fritillary count in 2023 showed a further increase in flowering plants. 

Photo taken by Chris Andrews in 2021

Background:

In 2011 the Environment Agency installed six large culverts beneath Willow Walk to increase the flow of flood water downstream.  Since then, finding a solution for flood relief has got more momentum and in 2016 the Environment Agency (EA) proposed a new Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme for the west side of Oxford. The route will cross OPT land along 25% of its length, and sadly for us will damage the landscape and natural environment. This causes us a dilemma as it is difficult to object to a scheme which intends to reduce the risk of flooding for people and their properties yet goes against our remit of protecting and enhancing Oxford and its green setting. And if we do object the EA can resort to their powers of compulsory purchase. See our January 2018 blog.

Following the withdrawal of the planning application and CPO in 2020 a new planning application for the OFAS was submitted in 2022 to which we responded and currently await the outcome.