WILDLIFE in Botley Park could get a boost as residents are encouraged to help create new habitat.

The project, organised by charity Forest of Oxford and local group Low Carbon West Oxford, is entering its final stage.

The aim is to create a wildlife habitat around the edges of Botley Park and Oatlands recreation ground, which could spark off similar schemes elsewhere.

John Thompson, of Forest of Oxford, said: “We are going to do the final stages of tree planting later in the autumn, in late November or early December. The more people who get involved the better.”

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“We are trying to create a wildlife habitat around the edge of the playing fields. At the moment it’s extremely boring.

“Lots of people go for walks around here and we want to encourage wildlife as it gives it a much more interesting appearance.”

The newly created habitat could become a model for other areas of Oxford, Mr Thompson said.

The 83-year-old added: “The area in West Oxford will be a prototype of what we would like to see around playing fields across the city.”

West Oxford residents have planted trees, shrubs and bluebells over the past few years. A team of volunteers, organised by Low Carbon West Oxford, planted trees last year but many of them have died or been vandalised.

Former Oxford City Council landscape architect Mr Thompson is also seeking funding to complete the project.

City councillor for Osney, Susanna Pressel, said: “We are very grateful to John Thompson from the Forest of Oxford, a small local charity.

“He is doing his best to raise some money to replace these very prominent trees near the tennis courts and to organise some local people to help with the planting.

“They have planted hundreds of trees and shrubs in Botley Park and in Oatlands Road recreation ground in the past, so I have no doubt that people will come forward again.

“This all helps to increase bio-diversity and to soak up a bit of flood water, so there are lots of local residents of all ages who are keen to help.”

Lois Muddiman, co-founder of Low Carbon West Oxford, said: “We’ve been working with the Forest of Oxford for many years now to plant more trees in our local parks.

“We provide the local volunteers and over the years we’ve had a lot of school children and local residents helping with digging and planting.

“We are looking for more volunteers to help with this work.

“Some vegetation helps soak up flood water, so the more we plant the more it will absorb.”

To get involved, contact Low Carbon West Oxford via lowcarbonwestoxford.org.uk


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