Crime & Safety
Oxford’s green spaces face ‘similar threats’ 100 years on
The Oxford Fieldpaths Society this week celebrated 100 years since it was founded, in 1926, and it remains an important campaigner for access to nature and one of the UK’s oldest walking groups.
It was formed to protect the footpaths, bridlepaths and commons in the neighbourhood of Oxford to prevent them from being paved over or forgotten, and to make people aware of the paths they’re allowed to use.
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One hundred years ago, the threats facing walkers on public footpaths mainly came from private landlords putting up ‘private property’ notices to prevent access to paths which had always been walked.
After founding members of the Fieldpaths Society painstakingly mapped and charted the public rights of way across the area, the paths are firmly secured for everyone’s access.
Today, however, the main issue facing footpaths is their re-privatisation through major developments on great swathes of land – from new-build housing estates to quarries, solar farms and business or science parks.
“It’s a big task,” said Jennifer Byrne, chairman of the society’s executive committee. “We’re doing exactly the same thing they did 100 years ago.
“These days it’s an increasing volume of work which falls on fewer and fewer people.”
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The society works with Oxfordshire County Council‘s countryside access team and checks every planning application which goes through the system for footpaths which are frequently ‘ignored’ by developers.
Ms Byrne added: “Some private diversions are, of course, acceptable – we’re not against expansion.
“But when it’s a blatant obstruction of a footpath, that’s a bit more contested.”
Protecting the footpaths and public rights of way that earlier society members worked so hard to establish remains a key part of what Oxford Fieldpaths does, at a time when developments become ‘harder to constrain’.
The committee chair said: “Without protection, everything will get lost.
“People’s access to the countryside – which is good for wellbeing, fresh air, sharing in the beauty of the English countryside – is so important.
“And once it’s lost under concrete, it will never reappear. It’s important to take a stand at the start.”
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As well as a lobbying group, the society educates people on what footpaths are available and funds waymarking – which serves both walkers and landowners by stopping people from roaming onto private land.
Beyond that, Oxford Fieldpaths Society is well-known as a sociable walking group with a ‘faithful’ following of around 140 members, though not all of them regularly walk.
For its centenary year, the society hosted a celebratory AGM and plans to host 100 group walks across the year, continuing the legacy.
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Jacqui Gitau, who is also the charity’s lead for Oxfordshire, has been made an MBE for her services to migrant families in the county.
African Families in the UK is a Community Interest Company that was formed in 2015 to support African diaspora families in the UK to get the best outcomes for their children through training and information on education, health and social care.
Through targeted initiatives, the charity aims to bridge the gap on various fronts, including food security, digital divide and other inequalities prevalent in health and education.
The charity also offers parent training and seminars to help achieve its goals as well as hosting activities and events to promote positive cultural practices.
“Oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve got my head around it yet,” a jubilant Ms Gitau said.
She holds a first degree in community family development from Oxford Brookes and a masters degree in childhood studies.
With co-founder Rachel Walton, the duo started out as volunteers meeting in a library in Blackbird Leys, where women discussed the differences in parenting between the UK and their countries of origin.
She arrived in the UK from Kenya with a 17 month old baby and no support. Her husband had to work and she had no family around to help.
Dr Martin Reeves, who leads Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE for services to local government.
Dr Reeves said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award.
“Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day.
“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change.
“This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”
Dr Reeves has served as chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023.
He previously spent more than 14 years in the same role at Coventry City Council, where he led the most significant transformation of the city since the post-war era.
The honour recognises his long-standing leadership in public service reform, innovation, and place-based change, including his role in launching Oxfordshire as the first county-wide Marmot place to tackle health inequalities.
Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved.
“Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely.
“He combines insight, integrity, and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.”
The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community.
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