The BBOWT Community Network project works with community volunteer groups in Berks, Bucks and Oxon to support and encourage their work looking after nature. We arrange networking events, and online meet ups.
Maureen Dyroff, member of Donkey Lane Community Orchard, Chinnor, joined a recent online meeting and said, “I attended the Zoom meeting last month and really enjoyed meeting others from a variety of groups. We shared challenges, and I have taken away contacts for people who may be able to share experiences and give advice on a number of subjects, such as CIO status and sponsorship.”
Chinnor is a large village in South Oxfordshire, on the Icknield Way below the Chiltern escarpment. The village is home to a cluster of volunteer groups looking after nature; Mill Lane Community Garden; Donkey Lane Orchard; Chinnor Churches Go Wild!, Greening Chinnor.
In May 2025 the Chinnor groups hosted other members of the Community Network for a guided walk around their projects. Local conservation expert Nicole Clough joined the walk to offer advice and encouragement.
Nicole said, “‘I thoroughly enjoyed the day – the energy was harmonious and positive. All the group hosts were super well-prepared!! Their excitement was palpable and were clearly very proud of showcasing their actions.”
Through bringing community volunteers together, facilitating networking, and providing opportunities for skill-sharing, the Community Network ensures that the great work going on locally is seen by a wider audience.
Valerie Pike, who joined the walk, said, “There was a delightful mix of local presence and visitors from further afield! We were all there as we wanted to learn more about the projects as we all had underlying interest in wildlife, also wanted to share our experiences.”
As well as seeing the results of the community volunteering work, the walk gave participants the opportunity to discuss common problems and themes.
Valerie continued, “It also became evident that there is a core group of volunteers behind all these projects, and the question of ‘succession planning’ was a concern. How do we get the ‘younger generation’ engaged and involved in sustaining these projects?”
“At the church in particular it veered into discussions about broader heritage, providing a lovely overlap and linking social history with nature.” said Nicole Clough.
One of the strengths of the Community Network is our links with other local organisations working in the community. CAG Oxfordshire are a network of over 100 community action groups working across Oxfordshire to make it a safer, fairer, greener, more sustainable place to live, work and visit. Jo Milton who is the CAG officer responsible for their food waste project, joined us for the Chinnor walk and met useful contacts for her work.
Jo said, “I want to link up with Mill Lane further to discuss their signage and invite them to the new growing Collaborate meeting!”. Find out more about CAG Oxfordshire Collaborate meetings.
The aim of the Community Network events is that they help groups recognise their own achievements and expertise and inspire other people to take action for nature on their local patch.
Linda Brawn, from Greening Chinnor, said, “I thought this morning went exceedingly well. It was good to have others from outside of Chinnor who we could share our amazing spaces with. I hope everyone enjoyed it.”
If you would like to host a Community Network walk with an accompanying expert in your area, please contact us at teamwilder@bbowt.org.uk
