Community groups to receive climate action grants

Eleven community groups have been awarded funding to help launch projects aimed at addressing the impacts of extreme weather events.

The grants, which range from £100 to £1,700, are funded by Community Action Groups Oxfordshire (CAG) and Oxfordshire County Council total £12,000.

The money will support a range of climate adaptation projects, including rainwater harvesting systems, flood education schemes and emergency planning workshops.

Oxfordshire County Councillor Judy Roberts said: "We hope these grants will help some amazing organisations create new connections and raise awareness."

She added: "We know that one of the best ways to mitigate against the impact of these increased incidents of extreme weather is to support activities and events that empower local groups to act."

Since 2007, Oxfordshire has experienced 20 significant flood events, 12 named storms, eight cold snaps, four major heatwaves and three periods of drought.

Projects set to benefit from the funding include a film night and workshop in Banbury, a local resilience briefing in Henley, and flood education booklets in Steventon.

Director of CAG Oxfordshire, Katherine Chesson said: "Community groups are at the heart of ensuring that Oxfordshire's residents are resilient to the impacts of climate change such as extreme weather events.

"From rainwater harvesting at community gardens to raising awareness of local emergency plans, we're proud to support these fantastic groups to deliver locally led resilience work."

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