Oxfordshire tradition celebrated at Wittenham Rose Ceremony
Earth Trust welcomed guests, partners and local leaders on a warm Wednesday evening (24 June) to celebrate the annual Rose Ceremony at Wittenham Clumps – a longstanding Oxfordshire tradition highlighting the importance of public access to nature and the countryside.
In a custom dating back several decades, the Chair of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) presented a rose to the Earth Trust’s CEO, symbolising a historic “peppercorn rent” that ensures this much-loved landscape remains freely accessible for everyone.
Around 60 guests gathered at Earth Trust’s visitor centre for the ceremony, bringing together civic leaders, partners and supporters committed to protecting and enhancing nature-rich landscapes like Wittenham Clumps.
Leaders reflect on the value of nature and access
The evening featured speeches from:
- Ted Fenton, Chair of Oxfordshire County Council, who reflected on the history of the Rose Ceremony and the importance of access to nature-rich landscapes
- Alison Rooke DL, who shared her long-standing connection to Earth Trust and highlighted the growing need for access to nature as local communities expand
- Martin Reeves OBE, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, who spoke about the importance of traditions such as the Rose Ceremony in a time of rapid change for bringing people together to celebrate the great things that are happening in our county.
- Ian Barrett, Chief Executive of Earth Trust, who outlined how the charity is demonstrating how land can be managed for both nature and people, alongside plans to welcome more visitors through new access routes and visitor facilities currently under development
Speaking at the event, Ian Barrett said:
“At Earth Trust, we focus on showing what’s possible when land is managed for both nature and people. Most of our countryside isn’t in protected areas, so change has to happen in working landscapes like this. By helping more people experience Wittenham Clumps first-hand, we can inspire confidence that a different approach can work — here in Oxfordshire and far beyond.”
Opening up access to inspire change
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to take a guided walk to view progress on site, including new nature-friendly farming activity and improvements to visitor facilities.
These developments form part of Earth Trust’s wider ambition to connect more people with nature and demonstrate how landscapes can be managed in ways that support both people and wildlife.
Wittenham Clumps remains one of Oxfordshire’s most cherished landscapes and an important resource for local communities. Through traditions such as the Rose Ceremony, Earth Trust continues to celebrate the enduring relationship between people, place and nature.