Oxfordshire County Council is inviting communities across Oxfordshire to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to support projects aimed at reducing the impact of flooding.
Now in its third consecutive year, the council’s priority action grants programme is designed to help local organisations carry out practical schemes that improve resilience against flooding caused by surface water run-off, groundwater and ordinary watercourses.
Funding is available for the 2026/27 financial year and will support projects led by parish, town, district and city councils, as well as flood groups and catchment partnerships.
Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said:
“In our role as lead local flood authority we are delighted to be able to fund another round of these priority action grants.
“Last year we received more than 80 applications, and we would welcome a similar response this year. It is fantastic that these groups are so committed to improving the situation where they live.
“When it comes to knowing what is needed to tackle flooding in a particular area, local communities are often the experts.
“Sadly, due to climate change and the increase in instances of extreme weather, flooding is now affecting more people and more severely than ever.”
Groups wishing to apply must submit an expression of interest by 04 May via email, with successful applicants expected to be informed by 30 May 2026.
The council awarded more than £500,000 through the scheme last year, supporting almost 40 flood reduction projects across the county.
These included drainage improvements, ditch construction and clearance, culvert inspections, flood sensors, timber dams, water pumps and repairs to tracks designed to limit surface water flooding.
Among the organisations to benefit was Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, which secured two grants for natural flood management work at Carswell Marsh and Little Milton in partnership with the parish council.
Daniel Akam said:
“Like many watercourses, the Hasley Brook has been altered historically to drain agricultural land more efficiently.
“The speed that the water now flows off the land has contributed to flooding downstream in Little Milton, particularly during extreme weather events, which are now becoming much more common.
“Here at Wells Farm, much of the brook flows through woodland in a natural way and is allowed to spill over, making the woodland wet. This already helps slow and store the water on the nature reserve and is of great benefit to the local wildlife.”
He added that the funding would help restore another section of the brook and improve water storage while enhancing habitats at Wells Farm.
