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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 29
Oxford News By Hana Edition 29
Saving the curlew's call
Mark Skipworth
October 23, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 29
Oxford Outlook: Saving the curlew’s call
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It is one of Britain’s most beloved birds, its haunting cry an inspiration to poets, a joy for nature-lovers.
Now Wild Oxfordshire aims to raise £25,000 to help protect the county’s endangered curlews. The charity hopes to raise the money in just six weeks – the time it takes for curlew chicks to become adults and take their first flight.
According to a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, Oxfordshire is home to 10% of the UK’s remaining lowland population. Donations will help provide electric fencing to protect more nests and give chicks the best conditions to survive.
The charity has an impressive record. In the last five years, it has protected 110 nests with the use of electric fencing, resulting in a 74% hatching success rate and allowing more than 60 young curlews to go on to take flight.
Despite these successes, curlews across the UK have never been more under threat. The RSPB says their number is "perilously low" with a 48% decline in population between 1995 and 2020. Locally, the decline, it is said, is largely down to the loss of wetland and meadow habitat.
In short, we are at risk of losing these intriguing birds. Read the story below and give generously if you can. Save the curlew’s call.
A stay of execution, it seems. Drivers caught for the first time going through one of Oxford's new congestion charging points without a permit will receive a letter rather than a fine. The elders of Oxfordshire County Council have announced a six-week “grace period” for the start of their temporary congestion charge scheme, which is due to begin next Wednesday. Considerate of them, you might say. But wait… it's believed there have been woeful delays in processing the applications for permits that will allow certain categories of motorists to go through the six charging point locations without paying. There are also concerns that leaflets informing local residents about the new scheme cannot now be delivered on time. Hence the “grace period”. For a moment there, I thought the county council had rediscovered its conscience.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
There are 393 Local Wildlife Sites in Oxfordshire covering 6,648 hectares, an increase from 339 sites and 5,099 hectares in 2004-2005
The county boasts four National Nature Reserves and more than 100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
The local Farmland Bird Index shows a small decline over 18 years, though it has stabilised in recent years. Corn bunting, linnet, goldfinch, lapwing and skylark have increased since 2004, while grey partridge and starling have decreased
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Six week 'grace period' for Oxford congestion charge launch
BBC News · October 21, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council has launched a six-week grace period starting 29 October for drivers without congestion charge permits, allowing first-time offenders to receive reminder letters instead of fines amid delays in permit processing. It is currently taking around ten working days for the council to process permits ahead of ANPR cameras being turned on at six locations across Oxford next week. The permits will allow motorists to go through a congestion charging point without paying when the scheme begins on Wednesday.
Thames Water given lowest one star rating for repeated sewage spills
BBC News · October 23, 2025
Thames Water has received a dismal one-star rating for environmental performance from the Environment Agency, contributing to the lowest collective score for England's water companies since assessments began in 2011. Amid rising sewage spills and significant financial challenges, the industry faces urgent calls for infrastructure upgrades and better management practices to combat pollution and protect public health.
Cowley Branch Line to reopen after 60 years in £120m project
BBC News · October 23, 2025
The Cowley Branch Line in Oxford is set to reopen as part of a £120 million project, enhancing connectivity between Oxford and Cambridge with new stations in Cowley and Littlemore, creating up to 10,000 jobs and reducing travel times. Local leaders have hailed the initiative as a transformative opportunity for the region's economy and climate goals, with significant contributions from the Ellison Institute of Technology to support the development.
Oxford Union president-elect who ‘celebrated’ the death of Charlie Kirk rejects vote for him to go
Mail Online · October 21, 2025
George Abaraonye, the Oxford Union's president-elect, is under fire for his controversial social media posts celebrating a shooting involving influencer Charlie Kirk, leading to a no-confidence vote against him. Despite backlash and calls for governance reforms, Abaraonye refuses to resign, challenging the vote while supporters target the current president's handling of the situation, igniting further controversy within the historic debating society.
Charlie Kirk allies 'will boycott' Oxford Union unless president quits
Oxford Mail via Yahoo News · October 20, 2025
The Oxford Union is engulfed in controversy as allies of US right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk threaten a boycott unless president-elect George Abaraonye resigns for celebrating Kirk's fatal shooting. This turmoil has led to scheduled speakers withdrawing and a significant donation being put on hold, leaving the institution's reputation and future in jeopardy.
Police launch investigation after death of girl in Islip
Oxford Mail · October 22, 2025
A murder investigation is underway following the death of a girl found at a property on Middle Street, Islip, on October 21. Thames Valley Police are urging anyone with information or footage from the area to come forward while assuring the community that there is no ongoing threat.
Wild Oxfordshire hopes to raise £25k in six weeks to help save curlews
BBC News · October 18, 2025
Wild Oxfordshire is on a mission to raise £25,000 in six weeks to protect the endangered curlew bird species, whose presence in the county represents 10% of the UK's lowland population. The funds will help provide essential resources like electric fencing to safeguard nests and support local conservation efforts during the critical chick-maturing period.
James Corden to return from America to Oxfordshire after winning approval to demolish house near Henley
Oxford Mail · October 21, 2025
James Corden is currently starring in the Broadway play "Art" alongside Neil Patrick Harris and Bobby Cannavale, while planning a return to the UK with his wife, Julia Carey, after receiving permission to demolish a house in Oxfordshire. He will also begin filming "The Choir," set for a 2027 release on Apple TV, inspired by his parents and featuring a reunion with former co-star Ruth Jones.
County council allows local communities to decide on switching off streetlights
BBC News · October 22, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council has approved a new policy allowing local communities to decide whether to turn off streetlights during early morning hours, after previously scrapping a plan to switch off all 60,000 lights due to safety concerns. Parish and town councils can now consult on keeping lights off from 23:30 to 05:30 in rural areas and from midnight to 05:30 in urban areas, with assurances from Council leader Liz Leffman that public safety will remain a priority.
BBC News · October 22, 2025
Sir Philip Pullman, joined by fellow authors like Kate Mosse and Richard Osman, is advocating for reform in copyright laws to protect writers from the exploitative practice of AI "scraping," which uses their work without compensation. His latest novel, The Rose Field, concludes a trilogy that underscores the significance of imagination while critiquing traditional education and organized religion, and he is currently working on a memoir about his unique childhood experiences.
New Oxford-led project aims to revolutionise chronic pain treatment
Ox · October 17, 2025
The EPIONE programme aims to revolutionise chronic pain management by integrating engineering and neuroscience to develop innovative, personalised treatments that dynamically respond to real-time pain signals. Led by Professors Tim Denison and Ben Seymour, this collaborative project leverages advanced neurotechnology and patient insights to create "smart" therapies that move beyond traditional drug therapies, potentially transforming the lives of millions affected by chronic pain.
Banbury XL bully owner sentenced after fatal dog attack
BBC News · October 20, 2025
Eliza Roberts from Banbury has been sentenced to a three-month suspended prison term and banned from owning animals for seven years after her two XL bully dogs killed a schnoodle named Winnie. The court also ordered the humane euthanasia of her dogs and highlighted the critical need for responsible pet ownership.
'Unsafe' Banbury care home warned over 'serious concerns'
BBC News · October 22, 2025
The Care Quality Commission has issued warning notices to Fairholme House, a care home in Bodicote, after an inspection revealed inadequate conditions affecting the safety and well-being of its 22 residents. Key issues included poor management, lack of meaningful activities, and hazardous environments, prompting the facility to commit to improvements.
Cannabis drugs in the form of Simpsons sweets seized in Wallingford
Oxford Mail · October 18, 2025
Police community support officers recently seized 99 packets of cannabis edibles at the Wallingford Delivery Office, raising concerns as Halloween approaches. Parents are urged to check their children's treats for brightly colored packets resembling sweets, emphasising vigilance against these potentially dangerous products year-round.
Audit concerns over Oxford City Council staff payment cards
BBC News · October 23, 2025
Oxford City Council is facing scrutiny from auditors due to a two-year backlog in transaction reviews for employee-issued payment cards, raising fraud concerns, though no fraud has been reported. The council spent £1,493,529.42 on these cards last year, with calls for a review of high limits, particularly for emergency accommodations in Housing Services.
Jericho may have seen its last community event in Mount Place
BBC News · October 20, 2025
After five successful years of organising community events such as Oktoberfest in Mount Place, Jericho, John Mair is considering stepping down due to the increasing challenges of management. He urges potential successors to take over, stressing that without continued community engagement, the area risks losing its vibrant atmosphere.
Oxfordshire County Council plans to speed up use of developer funding
BBC · October 22, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council has launched a new scheme to expedite the spending of £27.5 million in developer contributions for local infrastructure by investing an additional £4 million to fast-track 33 delayed projects. Councillor Judy Roberts highlighted the council's commitment to efficiently utilize public funds for essential community improvements.
How did historic Oxford become the UK's 'rock capital'?
BBC · October 18, 2025
Oxford has been named the UK's 'rock capital' due to its impressive per capita rock album sales, outpacing major cities like London and Manchester, while nurturing a vibrant local music scene that has produced renowned bands like Radiohead and Foals. Despite challenges such as venue closures, the city's supportive grassroots culture continues to foster emerging talent and creativity.
Sport
Oxford Outlook: The U’s
There is a rule of thumb in football: when you are near the foot of the table, try your very best not to lose to those keeping you company in the darker reaches of the bottom end. Unfortunately, avoiding defeat to a fellow Championship struggler is precisely what Oxford United failed to do in North Wales on Wednesday.
A narrow 1-0 reversal to Wrexham sees the U’s on nine points – just a point above the relegation zone in 20th place. In contrast, their rival’s victory saw them reach the giddy heights of 15th place. On such fine margins can triumph or disaster be decided. Lose to the league leaders? Fine. Lose to another team battling to survive in arguably the world’s toughest league? Not so good.
Next up for the U’s are rock bottom Sheffield Wednesday away on Saturday (3pm). The Owls are in dire straits on and off the field. But the Yellows cannot take anything for granted. Three points are essential – otherwise a relegation dogfight will rapidly become a reality.
Property news
Private island Hallsmead Ait in River Thames goes up for auction
BBC News · October 21, 2025
Hallsmead Ait, a picturesque triangular island in Berkshire near Shiplake Lock, is up for auction next month, offering a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a private retreat. With its wooded areas and landing pontoon, this self-contained island has been a cherished landmark for boaters on the Thames, as described by current owner Jamie Waller.
Crown Estate acquires land for Harwell science hub expansion including up to 400 homes
BBC · October 21, 2025
The Crown Estate has acquired a 221-acre site in Oxfordshire to develop 4.5 million square feet of office and lab space, along with up to 400 homes, as part of a £1.5 billion investment in science and technology over the next 15 years. This initiative aims to address the shortage of space for early-stage businesses and foster scientific advancement next to the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
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