We set up the Oxford Green and Blue Space Network (GBSN) in 2013 with the aim of enabling partners to work more collaboratively to improve Oxford’s green spaces and blue corridors.
The GBSN is attended by a representative group of agencies and land owners across Oxford. It is chaired by Oxford City Council and includes a wide range of partners who work to improve the city’s green and blue spaces.
The partnership has three priority areas that support the delivery of the city’s Green Space Strategy and also meet the objectives of individual partners. The three priority areas are:
- Sharing best practice
- Developing joined up projects
- Woking collaboratively
These three objectives are underpinned by the two determinants of Funding and Biodiversity.
Membership
Core members of the network include:
- Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
- Canal & Rivers Trust
- Oxford City Council
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Oxford City District of the Oxfordshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
- Oxford & District Federation of Allotment Associations
- Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT)
- Wild Oxfordshire
Main areas of work
The GBSN protects and enhances green space, green infrastructure and blue corridors by:
- Identifying local needs
- Advocating those needs through relevant channels
- Accessing new resources and joining and coordinating resources
- Providing opportunities for networking and sharing good practice.
- Supporting and training Volunteers
- Acting as collective advocating voice for Green Spaces, Green Infrastructure and Blue Corridors
- Improving the workforce and skills
- Linking with partners with wider agendas and strategies such as health and community safety.
