Using council land for nature recovery projects
Are you planning a nature recovery project such as tree planting, shrub planting, meadow creation or the installation of bat and bee boxes and insect ‘hotels’ on council land?
We have a new policy for action for nature recovery on council-owned land, which includes certain nature recovery projects as well as tree planting.
Step 1
Please contact us to check that the land you have identified for your project is owned by the district councils and is appropriate for what you are proposing. Please email your enquiry to climateaction@southandvale.gov.uk. Include a map clearly identifying the land concerned and summary of your proposed project activities.
Step 2
If we own the land and it is suitable for your plans, we will invite you to complete an application form .
Step 2.1 (Tree planting only)
If you are considering tree planting as part of your project, you must read the councils’ Tree Planting Guide before submitting. We have a variety of online resources and funding advice on the councils’ websites to help you develop nature recovery initiatives in your community. 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.
Step 3
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. Land will be required to be kept free of weeds and rubbish. You should also show how the proposed planting and management will encourage wildlife and add to the biodiversity of the area.
Note: Timescale
Please be aware that the application process will take at least three months to complete so please consider how this might impact your project plan and timescales before submitting your application.
“We planted an orchard on council land”
In March 2025 Kingston Lisle Parish Council obtained a licence to plant 16 fruit trees on Vale of White Horse District Council-owned land in the village. A year on, the young trees provide a habitat for insects and wildlife, and the village is looking forward to its first harvest from its new orchard later in the year.
FAQs
Does this policy cover orchard planting?
Yes, tree planting including fruit tree planting is included in this policy.
Does it include edible gardens or community gardens?
Unfortunately for the reasons outlined below, edible gardens and community gardens are not permitted under this policy.
These types of initiatives tend to be more complex in nature and will require different considerations, such as soil contamination, the need to exclude dogs and public access and will require a different type of agreement. The nature recovery policy is aimed at five-year projects to enhance areas and has not been designed to support any changes of use of land that cannot easily be removed and returned to its original state. On this basis edible gardens and the necessary infrastructure (i.e. shed, raised beds or onsite storage) to maintain and support these types of initiatives is excluded from this policy. Fruit trees however can still be planted under this new policy.
Why does it take so long to process the application form?
All applications must be checked against existing plans and proposals and legislation before they can be approved by our internal specialist teams and external partners.
How can we improve our project’s chances of success?
Projects that will be considered should focus on actions that align with the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (OLNRS). The OLNRS is a county-wide coordinated strategy for nature recovery to help wildlife to flourish, improve the quality of our air and water, and mitigate the impacts of climate change by targeting the creation of appropriate habitats in the right place.
Once we’ve planted trees or shrubs on a site are they there forever?
Typically, licences are granted for three to five years to allow the planting and trees to become established. We would welcome applications from groups who wish to continue to care for the area and will consider granting new or extended licences. If groups do not wish to continue then the land reverts to the council’s responsibility. As part of the council’s commitment to nature recovery the council would aim to maintain the project – whether it is tree planting, meadow creation etc – as long as is possible.
Contact us - Climate and biodiversity team
Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
