The Healthy Ecosystem Recovery Oxfordshire (HERO) explores how Oxford University can play a role in efforts to restore healthy ecosystems in Oxfordshire, by bringing the university’s strengths in academic knowledge, research capacity and convening power to support ongoing and planned nature recovery activities by a range of local partners and stakeholders. We are working with organisations from around Oxfordshire to maximise the potential for demonstration and research of HERO.
With its active network of nature recovery groups, Oxfordshire presents a unique opportunity to test and showcase a portfolio of different ecosystem restoration strategies, to become a model county for nature recovery. HERO aims to build a community of practice between the University and local practitioners, and will also form a resource for the University and its constituent Colleges within broader institutional sustainability goals.
The HERO network brings together researchers from the natural and social sciences with local authorities, environmental organisations, and community groups who are already working on a range of initiatives to help support nature’s recovery and enhance the multiple benefits that nature provides in Oxfordshire. We aim to support Oxfordshire’s Local Nature Partnership, and the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and a Natural Capital Investment Plan.
View the HERO Video here
Play Video
In this video, we dive into the innovative work happening at The University of Oxford to support nature recovery and ecosystem restoration in Oxfordshire. Learn how the HERO (Healthy Ecosystem Restoration in Oxfordshire) network is bridging the gap between academic research and practical nature recovery efforts. By leveraging The University of Oxford’s academic knowledge, research expertise, and convening power, HERO is partnering with local organisations, environmental groups, and government stakeholders to test and showcase diverse ecosystem restoration strategies.
Oxfordshire is at the forefront of becoming a model county for nature recovery, with a strong network of nature recovery groups already active in the region. HERO is building a community of practice that connects natural and social science researchers with local authorities, environmental organisations, and community groups, all working towards the goal of restoring and enhancing biodiversity.
Discover how the HERO network is contributing to sustainable and impactful ecosystem restoration and what it means for the future of biodiversity and conservation in Oxfordshire and beyond. Thanks all of our partners who are carrying out this incredible work and to Matthew Mulholland at the Oxford Media Group for producing this short film. https://www.oxfordmediagroup.uk
Related Research Themes
Ecology
Testing the effectiveness of different ecological approaches for nature recovery to support biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Society
Encompassing the governance and socio-cultural dimensions of nature recovery.
Finance
Scaling finance and investment for rapid nature recovery at a global scale.
Related Outputs
Oxford Nature Conversations Project Citizens’ Jury on People & Nature
In February 2025, Oxford Nature Conversations brought together 15 residents to collaboratively envision a future where both people and nature can thrive in Oxford. Over the course of four deliberative workshop days, participants engaged in structured discussions, expert presentations, and collaborative exercises to explore environmental challenges and opportunities in the city. This inclusive process resulted […]
Oxfordshire’s greenspace-deprived neighbourhoods
Coordinating author: Martha Crockatt This report explores Natural England’s Green Infrastructure data to identify neighbourhoods in Oxfordshire experiencing both socio-economic deprivation and poor provision of accessible greenspace, with a view to these neighbourhoods being prioritised in terms of planning, allocation of funding, and effort for improving quality and quantity of accessible greenspace. Contributors: Matt Witney […]
Social Dimensions of Nature Recovery Across Oxfordshire
Report arising from a workshop highlighting the importance of understanding how land use governance, different systems of knowledge and values, and differences in people’s financial means and access to natural areas shape socio-ecological systems.
HERO Workshop #2 Report: Mapping, Assessment & Tracking of Land Availability & Nature Recovery Activities in Oxfordshire
This second workshop focuses on the second of those priorities: Mapping, assessment and tracking of land availability and nature recovery activities.
Priorities for Healthy Ecosystem Restoration in Oxfordshire
What are the key challenges to nature recovery across Oxfordshire? How can the University work alongside local partners with the aim of making Oxfordshire a model county for nature recovery? What are the priorities where HERO can contribute on a three-year timescale, and what should be the priority for the first year?
Partners
