Old Hutchcomb’s Copse Conservation Appeal
We are delighted by the response to our March Match Funding Appeal which exceeded all expectation. Thanks to everyone's amazing generosity, we have raised enough - in just two weeks - to secure the Copse and clear the initial purchase loan. Our thanks to everyone who donated and helped spread the word.
We launched our new crowdfunder on 9th April 2026
How will my donation be used?
Your gift will help our work to preserve this Ancient Wood on Cumnor Hill. Oxfordshire Badger Group. Donations will be used to to support our long term conservation project to improve biodiversity, provide a safe haven for nature and a peaceful, inspiring environment for both visitors and volunteers.
Please check out our donation page for more details.
As a thank you - Donors can Adopt a 'Square for Life' in Old Hutchcomb's Copse
Learn more about adopting a 3x3m square of Old Hutchcomb's Copse as a thank you for your donation (suggested minimum donation £50 for a randomly chosen square, or £100 for a specific square close to a 'special place' in the Copse.
Help provide a safe home for wildlife
Oxfordshire Badger Group has been working to protect badgers, their homes and foraging land across Oxfordshire for nearly 40 years. We witness first hand the loss of precious wildlife sites for housing and commercial development. Ancient woodland like the Copse is strongly protected under the current planning system but we well know that does not guarantee safety !
Owning Old Hutchcomb’s Copse means we can be certain that this important local wild life habitat will never be developed or exploited.
Our vision is to manage this ancient woodland as a wildlife haven. We will ensure it remains a ‘nature first’ private space - there are no public rights of way or uncontrolled access into the wood. It is one of few genuinely ‘wild spaces’ to have survived the increasing urbanisation of Cumnor Hill and the expansion of Oxford City
Support the conservation of an ancient woodland
"a shining example
of how dedicated conservation efforts can help
preserve and enhance vital habitats for native wildlife" - Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre
The Copse is a 2 acre Ancient and Semi-Ancient Woodland (ASNW) that has been wooded continuously since before 1600. Ancient Woodland is a rare and precious habitat for special communities of native plants, fungi, insects and animals. We plan to manage the wood with a light and sympathetic touch with the aim of improving biodiversity.
The Copse had been left to run completely wild for many years. Our management programme identifies a need to:
- plant new trees (succession planting) and tree work
- improve habitats and biodiversity
- encourage the spread and variety of native species
- maintain paths and boundaries
This will not be easy. The limited access and steep terrain means the work is very ‘hands on’ and needs good fitness.
Currently, work is largely limited to keeping paths clear and regular scything of the open glade. Your donation could help us to recruit, train and equip more volunteers We also need to buy in expert advice or professional help as and when needed.
Historically the Copse was managed through coppicing and like all woodland it still needs some active ongoing management if it is to continue to thrive.
There is so much we can achieve with your help.
Enable community and educational events 'In the Wild Wood'
Peaceful open places close to a city are extremely precious. We want many people as possible to be able to come and enjoy this special, peaceful and wild place. Yet access to the Copse has to be through organised events in order to protect the woodland. It is equally important to ensure the safety of our visitors and volunteers. We regularly organise free open days when the Copse is open to all. Your donation – however small – could help us continue to organise and expand a programme of outreach and educational events held in the Copse.
Volunteering and education
The Copse has wonderful potential for volunteers to enjoy taking part in woodland conservation work.
We are also thrilled to be able to partner with scouts and other groups to provide educational days in the woodland.
Support our volunteers and join the Friends of Old Hutchcomb’s Copse
Our vision is to form a community of Friends dedicated to preserving the Copse for posterity. We announce the dates of events and work parties on our website and through the 'Friends of Old Hutchcomb's Copse' newsletters - If you've not already done so, please sign up for to receive them. No donation is necessary and there are no membership fees.
We need a small amount of annual funding to cover essential running costs such as keeping the Copse website /mail box, event organisation and 3rd party insurance.
Do support us - it promises to be the journey of a lifetime – cherishing our old trees, watching the saplings grow – seeing our community of Friends flourish.
Who is organising this Conservation Appeal?
Oxfordshire Badger Group (reg. charity Eng & Wales 1186850) is a small, local, long established environmental charity run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff. Owning and managing the
Copse is very important and major undertaking for us.
We are committed to ensuring the conservation of such an important ancient woodland on Cumnor Hill.
Be assured that if we are unable to continue this conservation project for any reason, we will ensure the Copse remains in safe hands and protected from development. If any donations remain after this, the money will be used to support our general charitable work.