People and nature thriving together

It’s been a fantastic first few weeks at Earth Trust, seeing first-hand the dedication, passion, and impact of this incredible charity.

From my very first day, I have felt the energy of our community – from volunteers and visitors to our expert team – all working together to protect and enhance our special landscapes and inspire people to care for nature. 

At Earth Trust, we are privileged to care for some of Oxfordshire’s most valued green spaces, including the iconic Wittenham Clumps and the surrounding woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Together, these form the largest freely accessible green space in the region, which is not only important for people to enjoy but also provides vital habitats for wildlife.

As I’ve explored this remarkable place, I’ve been fascinated by its deep heritage, from the ancient hill fort on Castle Hill to archaeological remains spanning from the Bronze Age to the Roman era and beyond.

Standing on top of Round Hill, with views stretching across the Thames, the Chilterns, and the Wessex Downs, and red kites circling above, you can’t help but be inspired by the richness and potential of this amazing landscape.  

In an increasingly busy and digitised world, it’s essential that people have the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Growing connections with the natural world is fantastic for our health and wellbeing and brings home the importance of taking action to care for the Earth and its wildlife.  

It’s been wonderful to see all that Earth Trust is doing in engaging people with the natural world, starting with fun events like stargazing and Cocktails on the Clumps, through education and learning, to regular volunteering at Earth Trust Centre and our seven community reserves.

I’ve had the opportunity and privilege to meet many of our volunteers, join them in hedgelaying and scything, and see the amazing work our gardening, maintenance and education volunteers do to keep the Centre ready for visitors and welcome people of all ages. 

Looking ahead, I’m excited about our ambition to give more local people the opportunity to explore and connect with nature and the land by:

• Providing more walks and trails to provide easier access across more of our land
• Increasing the abundance of wildlife across the landscape by improving habitats and using more innovative, nature-friendly, regenerative ways of farming
• Exploring and safeguarding the heritage across the Clumps landscape and providing more information on its incredible history
• Developing our welcome hub to provide more facilities for more visitors
• Growing our programme of events and education to provide more opportunities for people to come, enjoy, get to know and get involved in our landscapes    

The population in South Oxfordshire is growing rapidly and we want to continue to provide fantastic, accessible, natural green spaces that meet the needs of people and wildlife and enable them to thrive together.   

Earth Trust has an exciting future ahead. By expanding access, restoring our landscapes, and fostering deeper connections with nature, we can create a legacy that benefits people and wildlife alike. I can’t wait to continue this journey with all of you. 

Ian Barrett CEO, Earth Trust