Old Hutchcomb’s Copse Conservation Appeal

"A secluded gem of an ancient woodland with conservation potential."

Old Hutchcomb’s Copse is a small wood on Cumnor Hill close to Oxford City. It is an important Ancient and Semi-Ancient Wood (ASAW) that has been wooded continuously since before 1600. Some of our great oaks are over 150 years old. This vibrant and diverse habitat needs careful conservation to continue to thrive.

Our vision is protecting this ancient woodland as a wildlife haven, free from any development threats. The wood is not currently open to the general public, but we organise regular guided walks and other events so that people can visit in safety and enjoy the wood while minimising any disturbance. The copse has wonderful potential for community volunteers to work with us, as well as the capacity to hold creative and educational events “In the Wild Wood”.

Please help by making a one off or recurring donation to our Conservation Appeal. Every pound helps.

How will my donation be used?

Your generosity will help safeguard this ancient wood, making sure it remains an ecological haven, free from the threat of development or other exploitation. As a valued donor we will keep you informed of the many ways your support is helping conserve this precious, unspoiled habitat.

We were invited to buy the Copse in the Summer of 2022 - but we had to act really quickly to do so. The purchase was only made possible thanks to a generous trustee loan. We have already paid back two thirds and now we just need to raise £11,000 to pay back the loan completely.

Your gift could also help our volunteers to conserve the Copse. The Copse had been left largely untouched to run completely wild for many years. We want to manage the wood with a light and sympathetic touch. Currently, work is largely limited to keeping paths clear and regular scything of the open glade but there is so much more we could achieve with your help. We need funds to bring forward projects such as succession planting; the creation of a safe, all-weather path through the Copse; and reserves to buy in expert advice or professional work as and when needed.

Your donation – however small – could help to run community and educational events centred around the copse (such as open days). It could help behind the scenes, for example - to provide training, purchase equipment, keep our website and mail box alive and to cover essential administration and insurance costs. These are just some of the many ways your donation can help us preserve this wonderful wild historic wood for posterity. Do join us - we hope it will be the journey of a lifetime – cherishing our old trees, watching the saplings grow – seeing our new 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 the Copse is an important venture for us. Our top priority is to raise the funds we need to conserve the Copse for the public benefit. Please be aware that in the unlikely event that we cannot use all the money donated to this appeal for the conservation of the copse, then any remaining money would be spent on our other charitable work.

Can I visit the Copse or get involved in volunteering?

Yes, of course ! we'd love to show you around. 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.

How can I contact you?

If you have any questions, want to volunteer or arrange a visit please email us at the address given on our website.

or write to: Old Hutchcomb's Copse c/o 29 Webbs Way,

Kidlington, OX5 2EW

Are there other ways to donate?

We can accept payments by bank transfer or by cheque.

BACS payments should be made to HUTCHCOMBS COPSE CONSERVATION

Co-operative bank business account

sort code 08-92-99 A/c 67361070

Please give your name as a reference

Cheques should be made payable to HUTCHCOMBS COPSE CONSERVATION

Thank you for your time an interest in our appeal.