Application for Nature Recovery Projects

Overview

This application form is intended for use by organisations and community groups wishing to undertake nature recovery projects, which may include trees, meadows and wildlife friendly planting on land owned by either South Oxfordshire District Council or Vale of White Horse District Council.

Before completing this application, please contact us to check that the land you have identified for your project is owned by the district councils and appropriate for what you are proposing. Please email your enquiry to climateaction@southandvale.gov.uk including a map clearly identifying the land concerned and summary of your proposed project activities.

Should you receive a positive response to this email, we will invite you to complete the application form below. We will approve or reject your application based on availability and the suitability of the land.

We have a variety of online resources and funding advice on the councils’ websites to help you develop nature recovery initiatives in your community. If you are considering tree planting as part of your project, we strongly recommend that you look at the councils’ Tree Planting Guide before submitting. 

Where tree planting forms part of your project, you will be required to take full responsibility for the newly planted trees for at least three years following planting to ensure that the planting becomes successfully established. This will include, but not be limited to, watering of newly planted trees (where necessary) weeding, replacement of failures and maintenance of guards and stakes.

For all other projects, including meadow creation, you will need to provide a maintenance plan to demonstrate how you will maintain the site to a good standard, and which ensures it continues to be safe and accessible to the public. You should also show how the proposed planting and management will encourage wildlife and add to the biodiversity of the area.

Please be aware that the application process may take a minimum of 3 months to complete so please consider how this might impact your project plan and timescales, including stock ordering and planting, before submitting your application.