Green councillors and campaigners are calling for the creation of a new nature park for
Didcot, as part of efforts to improve community wellbeing and tackle the ecological crisis in
the growing town.
The large park – of 200 acres or more – would be accessible through sustainable travel from
Didcot and will include areas for people to enjoy, as well as distinct, protected spaces for
nature.
Calls for the park follow the release of the report of the People’s Assembly for Nature last
week. Among the Assembly’s key recommendations is the creation of a network of local
biodiverse and health-focused green spaces owned and run by the people for the people.1
More than 16,000 new houses are planned for Didcot between now and 2034. The town has
already seen its population increase from 25,000 to 30,000 in recent years. But it lacks
proper access to open green space and unlike many towns of similar size, has no large park.
“Our town has seen so much development over the past few years and much more is on the
way,” said Green campaigner Adam Grindey. “We need to balance this with swathes of green
space for people to enjoy and protected areas for nature to thrive. I will work my socks off to
make sure this dream is realised.”
Green councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate for Wantage, Sam Casey-Rerhaye,
said, ‘’The creation of a large park for people and nature is an essential step in helping make
Didcot a healthier, happier place and in tackling the ecological emergency. The people of
Didcot have seen unprecedented growth in their town. It’s high time they had a beautiful
green, natural space to enjoy.”
“Sir David Attenbourough’s Wild Isles series has shown us the range of remarkable wildlife
we have in this country,” said Sam. “We must do all we can to protect wild things in our local
area and make space for nature to recover and thrive. And of course everyone, regardless of
where they live or work, needs access to nature to help them recharge mentally and
improve their physical health. Nature also has benefits in terms of work productivity.”
Green councillor Andrea Powell said, “A park for Didcot is a key priority for us as Greens
should we be re-elected. This is a Green idea and we will make sure we embed it in our
strategic plans and work towards making it happen.”
Green councillor Peter Dragonetti, who first proposed the idea, said. “Hampstead Heath was
preserved for the people of London when it was purchased by the Metropolitan Board of
Works. It requires ambition and determination to create a new park but by working with
partners including the Local Nature Partnership, the Earth Trust and Oxfordshire County
Council, we can make this dream a reality here in South Oxfordshire.”