THE OXFORDSHIRE TREESCAPE OPPORTUNITY MAP

These maps present opportunities to address the climate and nature crises in Oxfordshire by changing the way we manage our land. They show where hedgerows, woodlands, species-rich grasslands and tree-friendly, agroforestry farming systems might be introduced into Oxfordshire and the benefits these would bring. We call all these different interventions ‘treescapes’.

The maps allow you to examine more closely where treescapes can and cannot be introduced and what benefits they would bring in different areas. Read the story below to learn more about the benefits treescapes could bring to Oxfordshire. Then  VIEW THE MAPS  to examine specific areas in more detail. Our  Treescapes Guide  also gives more detailed information on each treescape and how we have chosen to map them, together with farmer and landowner case studies.

These maps only give an overview of the opportunities available. If you would like a more detailed report on your land, you may be able to access our private reporting service for free or at low cost through one of our delivery partners. Visit  The Oxfordshire Treescapes Project website  for more information on our private reporting service and other aspects of the project.

PLEASE NOTE that due to technical limitations, these maps may not always be accurate in full detail. No decision to introduce any treescape should be made without first checking on the ground and also seeking professional advice.     

Feel free to report inaccuracies to us, or to contact us for further information by email at  info@growgreencarbon.org .

The benefits shown in our maps are: 

Biodiversity describes the variety of life on earth. The variety and complexity of nature is essential to its health and resilience. Trees, species-rich grassland, hedgerows and agroforestry systems all increase biodiversity. We measure biodiversity in ‘units’ gained or lost through land use change. We have not recommended any placement that might result in a loss of biodiversity units.

Capturing and storing carbon offsets emissions from other activities helping Oxfordshire to reach net zero. Trees, species-rich grassland, hedgerows and community orchards all capture and store carbon at different rates.

All our treescapes can help prevent flooding when sited in the right places by reducing surface water runoff, and can control soil erosion by stabilising the soil and trapping sediment.

Woodlands and species-rich grasslands offer opportunities for walking, cycling or bird watching. This can play a valuable role in improving mental health and wellbeing, accelerating convalescence and reducing health inequalities. We have mapped this benefit as being delivered where there is already a public right of way across the land. 

Trees and other vegetation such as hedges can help to block or capture air

Pollution such as Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Most of these pollutants come from road transport. We have mapped this benefit as being delivered within 1 km of areas with PM2.5 levels above 10 µg/m3. We have not included areas with high NO2 levels as we expect vehicles to be electrified before new trees can have a significant impact.

Our climate is in crisis. Weather patterns are changing and flooding is increasing. UK species have declined by 41% since the 1970s. Many of us live in urban environments separated from nature. We are dependent on cars that are damaging air quality.  

Agroforestry farming systems combine trees or shrubs with agricultural crops or livestock. This can bring natural benefits without compromising food producing areas.

In a silvoarable system, trees are grown in rows with wide alleys in-between for cultivating crops, with sufficient spacing for agricultural machinery. The crops provide annual income while the trees mature.

In a silvopastural system, trees are placed alongside grazing cattle, sheep, pigs, horses or chickens.

In both cases the trees might be for timber or fuelwood, or a fruit or nut crop. In a well-managed system income can be as good as from conventional farming, but from more diverse sources. 

 Watch this short video , which explains how to get the most out of the maps. Or  access the maps . Note that some layers may take time to load, so please be patient!

The 'info' button on the maps will give you further help using the maps. 

These maps only give an overview of the opportunities available. If you would like a more detailed report on your land, you may be able to access our private reporting service for free or at low cost through one of our delivery partners. Visit  The Oxfordshire Treescapes Project website  for more information on our private reporting service and other aspects of the project.

PLEASE NOTE that due to technical limitations, these maps may not always be accurate in full detail. No decision to introduce any treescape should be made without first checking on the ground and also seeking professional advice.     

Feel free to contact us for further information by email at  info@growgreencarbon.org .

This map incorporates natural capital data from the Environmental Change Institute (University of Oxford) and biodiversity data supplied by the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC), which is copyright to TVERC and/or its partners. OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2021 Ordnance Survey Licence No 100018504 and Oxfordshire County Council No 100023343.