This is the page for information about the volunteer project to improve and repair the boardwalk through Hinksey Heights Nature Trail.

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About

The boardwalk was originally built by students at Peers School, now known as Oxford Academy, as part of an outdoor educational programme. The programme began in 2003 and was led by Naomi Crawford, at the time a teacher at Peers School, and later Oxford Academy. Naomi was employed by the Oxfordshire Education Authority who also successfully secured funding from other charitable bodies, including TOE (Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment) to build two forest schools (no longer operating) and a boardwalk through the nature trail.

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In 2020, a renewed volunteer effort was launched, initially to repair sections of boardwalk that had become life-expired and unsafe, particularly due to increased visitor numbers during coronavirus lockdowns. Now, in 2025, as we approach the 5th anniversary of our formation, the volunteer group continues to go from strength to strength, expanding to over 40 subscribers and fielding up to 10 volunteers for each of our twice-weekly working sessions.

The nature of our work has also expanded: as well as boardwalk work, we also work on the laying of gravel paths, hazel coppicing and hedge laying, fabrication, drainage work, hedge-cutting. In 2024, we designed and built a brand new bridge over the Hinksey Stream in just five days, and completed over 300 metres of brand new raised boardwalk in both 2023 and 2024. There are more exciting plans in store for 2025.

Another vital task is fundraising. We are especially grateful to the following, who have generously supported our efforts since 2020:

• The Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE)
• Vale of White Horse District Council
• North Hinksey Parish Council

The following organisations have also held volunteering days on the Trail:

• Redrow plc
• Ridge LLP
• The Environment Agency

We also thank the many members of the public who have donated vital additional funds in support of our work since 2020. You can also make a donation to support our work here: Donate

This new project currently relies on materials that were left over from the schools’ programmes to replace damaged sections of the boardwalk, and old boards are recycled where possible. The Friends of Hinksey Heights estimate that replacing damaged boards will require around 200 new boards to be put in, and yet more are needed to be able to extend the boardwalk. All of the new and improved sections require a layer of chicken wire on top to prevent the surface becoming slippery in poor weather conditions. We anticipate that existing supplies of materials will not be enough to deliver the project on an ongoing basis and that we will need to purchase further supplies. The project does not currently receive any funding outside of donations.

Find out more about how to donate here.

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