- Helping to make sure development in Oxfordshire takes account of the countryside - Addressing the lack of local people’s voice in the planning system. The planning system can seem confusing and overwhelming. People often aren’t aware of development decisions affecting their area until the bulldozers turn up. We need a way of giving people who already have the knowledge of their local countryside the skills and opportunities to input into local planning decisions.

Our ‘Green Defenders Network’ will establish a network of volunteers across Oxfordshire who can champion the countryside in local planning decisions. Our volunteers will be given the training and support needed to enable them to respond constructively to local planning applications and to engage in Local Plan consultations. By being part of a team, they will be able to share information and experience and form a strong, practical advocacy network for the countryside.