Oxfordshire’s largest grassroots environmental and community network will continue its work for at least another year after Oxfordshire County Council approved a £306,200 grant for CAG Oxfordshire, ensuring the continuation of its county-wide programme for 2026–27.
The funding includes a £100,000 allocation of one-off public health investment, earmarked for initiatives such as community gardening and land skills, projects addressing climate anxiety through social action, and the Heat Safe Homes programme aimed at improving household resilience.
CAG Oxfordshire is a network of 127 community groups operating across the county, making it one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The council has fully funded the organisation since 2001, reflecting a long-standing partnership between local government and grassroots voluntary action.
Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy at Oxfordshire County Council, said the network plays a vital role in supporting environmental and social progress at a local level.
She highlighted the breadth of activity delivered by member groups, which span waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, biodiversity enhancement, food resilience, and wider social justice initiatives.
While confirming continued support, the council also noted the financial pressures facing local government. The grant agreement has therefore been set for one year while wider voluntary and community sector funding arrangements are reviewed.
Despite this uncertainty, the impact of CAG Oxfordshire’s work remains substantial. In 2024–25 alone, the network delivered more than 8,000 events and activities, attracting over 120,000 participants. It also helped bring nearly £6 million in external funding and income into Oxfordshire communities.
Director of CAG Oxfordshire, Katherine Chesson, welcomed the renewed support, paying tribute to the thousands of volunteers involved across the county.
She described the network’s work as spanning practical and social change initiatives, from food-growing and low-waste cooking projects to repair cafés and “libraries of things” that encourage sharing over consumption. Other programmes focus on nature recovery, climate engagement, and strengthening local resilience.
Chesson said these community-led actions are increasingly central to wider policy goals, particularly in areas such as climate adaptation, biodiversity restoration, and waste reduction. She added that insights from local groups continue to inform council strategies on sustainability and social equity.
As Oxfordshire faces growing environmental and social pressures, the renewed funding signals continued recognition of the role community-led action plays in delivering both practical outcomes and long-term behavioural change across the county.
