Local news: Oxford
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Estelle Bailey of BBOWT awarded MBE for services to nature recovery
Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to nature recovery. With a 25-year career in The Wildlife Trusts and 11 years at BBOWT’s helm, she has led transformative projects, expanded nature reserves, and championed community-focused conservation.
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Aliki Braine flower works to feature at Ashmolean Museum still life gallery
In a notable recognition of her innovative still-life photography, Aliki Braine’s ‘flower works’ will be exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum’s Daisy Linda Ward Gallery from June 2025 to August 2026. These works will be shown alongside historic still-life paintings.
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The Store wins World’s Best London Dry Gin at World Gin Awards 2025
Oxford’s newest luxury hotel, The Store, has won World’s Best London Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards 2025 with its debut signature spirit. Created in partnership with Hawkridge Distillers, the gin was previously named Best in Country for England.
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Government injects £2.5bn funding into East West Rail connecting Oxford and Cambridge
The government has confirmed a £2.5 billion investment in East West Rail, a major infrastructure project connecting Oxford and Cambridge. The new funds, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during the Spending Review, will help complete the line through Bicester, Milton Keynes, and Bedford.
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Oxford City Council confident of funding Cowley Branch Line despite review silence
Oxford City Council says it remains confident of securing funding to reopen the Cowley Branch Line, despite the project being absent from the government’s recent spending review. The scheme, which would add two stations near Oxford Science Park and ARC Oxford, depends on a £20 million local contribution.
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Petition against Oxford’s £5 congestion charge gains 6,500 signatures in three days
A petition opposing Oxfordshire County Council’s proposed £5 congestion charge has gained nearly 6,500 signatures in just three days. The charge, targeting key roads between 7.00am and 7.00pm, is part of a temporary plan ahead of a traffic filter trial. Critics call it “unfair,” citing the current cost of living.
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“Little Lungs, Big Impact” kicks off at Oxford’s Serco-run leisure centres
More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), in partnership with Serco Leisure, has launched the “Little Lungs, Big Impact” initiative to ban smoking and vaping near entrances of its leisure centres in Oxford. The campaign prioritises children’s health by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke.
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Oxford North ESG report 2024 highlights environmental and social milestones
Oxford North has released its 2024 ESG annual report, detailing strong progress in building a sustainable innovation district. Highlights include reductions in carbon emissions, 100% construction waste diversion from landfill, and significant investments in public transport and community engagement.
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Bus operators welcome council’s review of Oxford congestion measures
Bus companies have welcomed Oxfordshire County Council’s plans to explore temporary congestion-busting measures, including a £5 daily charge for drivers on six key routes across the city.
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Lib Dems defend congestion charge plans after criticism over election silence
The Liberal Democrats are under fire for failing to mention plans for a £5 congestion charge during their successful Oxfordshire County Council election campaign.
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City Sightseeing Oxford launches £1 tickets for carers on open-top tours
City Sightseeing Oxford is recognising the vital role of carers by offering £1 tickets for its open-top bus tours. This initiative aims to make Oxford’s historic attractions more accessible, aligning with a wider drive that includes a reduced-fee family pass.
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Oxford MP criticises county council’s congestion charge plans as “knee-jerk solution”
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has criticised Oxfordshire County Council’s proposed £5 congestion charge as a “knee-jerk solution imposed from outside”.