Earth Trust celebrates Gateway to Nature milestone with new cycle hub and e-bike charging facilities

Earth Trust has celebrated another important milestone in its Gateway to Nature project with the official opening of new cycle parking and e-bike charging facilities, helping visitors choose active and sustainable ways to access Wittenham Clumps, one of Oxfordshire’s most cherished landscapes.  Situated at the intersection of the North Wessex Downs, National Cycle Network 5 and new paths from Didcot – this is a vital improvement for South Oxfordshire’s keen cyclists and e-bike users

Funded through support from South Oxfordshire District Council’s Capital Grant Scheme and Greenham Trust, the new cycle hub comprises three purpose-built shelters with wildlife-friendly green roofs, designed to support both sustainable travel and biodiversity.

The facilities include two cycle shelters and a dedicated e-bike shelter with charging facilities, more than doubling the provision available at the Centre. The living green roofs will help create valuable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, reflecting Earth Trust’s commitment to ensuring new infrastructure delivers benefits for both people and nature.

The cycle hub forms part of Earth Trust’s wider Gateway to Nature project, which is transforming how people access and experience the Wittenham Clumps landscape. Designed to improve access, remove barriers and create a welcoming gateway to nature, the project will help more people connect with the outdoors while protecting one of Oxfordshire’s best-loved landscapes for future generations.

The cycle hub was officially opened by, Cllr Sam Casey-Rerhaye, South Oxfordshire District Councillor for Sandford & the Wittenhams ward, alongside Dave Lewis, Operations Director at Earth Trust, Robin Tucker, Earth Trust Trustee, and Martin Cuddy, Secretary of CulBUG (the Culham Bicycle Users Group).

Earth Trust hopes the new facilities will encourage more visitors, staff and volunteers to choose active travel, supporting healthier lifestyles while reducing environmental impact.

Ian Barrett, Chief Executive, Earth Trust

“At Earth Trust, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of spending time in nature. The Gateway to Nature project is about creating more welcoming, accessible and sustainable ways for people to enjoy this incredible landscape, and these new cycle facilities are an important part of that vision.

We know that many visitors already choose to walk, cycle or use e-bikes to reach us, and by providing secure bike parking and charging infrastructure we’re making those journeys easier and more practical. We’re grateful to South Oxfordshire District Council’s Capital Grant Scheme and Greenham Trust for supporting this investment, which helps us connect more people with nature while encouraging sustainable travel.

This is about much more than cycle parking. It’s about removing barriers to accessing nature, supporting healthier journeys and helping ensure that everyone can enjoy this special landscape in a way that benefits both people and the environment.”

Robin Tucker, Earth Trust Trustee and Chair of the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel, and a Trustee of Cycling UK, said:

“Making it easier for people to travel actively is one of the most effective ways of improving health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability at the same time. These new facilities demonstrate Earth Trust’s commitment to ensuring that access to nature can be part of everyday life, whether people arrive by bike, e-bike or other means.

The Gateway to Nature project is creating new opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors, and it’s fantastic to see active travel recognised as an important part of that vision.”

Cllr Sam Casey-Rerhaye, South Oxfordshire District Councillor for Sandford & the Wittenhams ward, said: “It’s fantastic to see our Capital Grant Scheme making a positive difference in our communities. Earth Trust’s new cycle hub and e-bike charging facilities are a great example of how investment in local infrastructure can encourage active travel and make it easier for people to explore and enjoy our valued landscapes. It’s wonderful to see the scheme supporting a project that will benefit local residents and visitors for years to come.”