The Evenlode Landscape Recovery scheme, covering parts of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, is one of the UK’s first large-scale projects to move from planning into full delivery.

More than 3,000 hectares of land across the region will be restored under the scheme, which aims to tackle flooding at its source by improving soil health, restoring floodplains and increasing the landscape’s capacity to hold water.

The scheme is delivered partly by the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster (NECFC) and forms part of a £100 million funding package that has been secured with Natural England and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Initial investments from infrastructure owners like Network Rail, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), and Oxfordshire County Council over the next three years is expected to be in excess of £3,000,000.

Natural flood management methods are being introduced to slow and store water higher up in the catchment.

Tim Field, executive director of Evenlode Landscape Recovery, said: “This partnership marks a new chapter in how we think about flood prevention and asset protection. 

Drone footage from the catchment of reconnecting floodplains (Image: Supplied)

“By working with Network Rail, SSEN and Oxfordshire County Council we’re supporting infrastructure resilience with practical changes on the ground. 

“Farmers are uniquely placed to manage water at source. 

“By restoring habitats and improving soil structure across the catchment, we can reduce flood risk downstream while strengthening farm businesses for the long term.”

The scheme pays farmers to create wetlands, woodlands and meadows on less productive or flood-prone land.

This benefits nature, improves resilience and helps protect infrastructure from flood damage.

Ryan Barrett, weather resilience and climate adaptation programme manager at Network Rail, said: “In this area the railway crosses the Evenlode River 27 times, creating multiple pinch points where flooding can disrupt services. 

“Investing in natural flood management gives us an opportunity to reduce risk before it reaches the railway and we are looking forward to working with ELR on our key risk areas to make the railway line more resilient now and into the future.”

Chris Bratt, director of asset management at SSEN, said: “We have critical electricity infrastructure in the Evenlode catchment, including substations that must remain operational during extreme weather. 

“By investing in nature-based solutions upstream, we can reduce long-term flood risk to these assets. 

“This proactive approach strengthens network resilience and, over time, helps avoid costs that would otherwise eventually end up being passed on to customers.”

The work will be carried out by specialist contractors and local farmers, who will be paid to maintain the changes for at least 20 years under a blended finance model.

The regatta, a staple in the summer sporting and social calendar, will run from Tuesday, June 30, to Sunday, July 5.

The event is set to draw thousands of visitors over its six-day duration, promising more than 300 races featuring international-standard competitors, including Olympic rowers and newcomers to the regatta.

The Henley Royal Regatta, with a history spanning more than 185 years, is known for its tradition and lively atmosphere, providing spectators with a chance to unwind and relish the day.

Henley Royal Regatta is a pinnacle event within both the rowing season and the summer sporting calendar, with legendary British rowers and past Olympian champions such as Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE in attendance.

The Regatta is steeped in tradition and strives to create an uplifting environment that enables spectators to relax and fully enjoy the day.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Member, the Regatta is sure to offer you a great day out – with plenty of racing action and an electric atmosphere.

The regatta is not just about the sport; it also offers high-quality service, including food and entertainment throughout the day.

Tickets for the Regatta Enclosure can be purchased at https://www.hrr.co.uk/book-tickets/, starting at £38 per person.

Spectators can enjoy the event for free along the riverbank.

For those unable to attend, a video preview of the event is available.

Those wishing to attend and cover the Regatta can apply for accreditation.

The club scooped the Best Club 2025 award in recognition of its progress in adventurous training and diving delivery over the past year.

The award reflects the persistent work and dedication of the club’s instructors, committee members, and divers.

The club scooped the Best Club 2025 award (Image: MOD Crown Copyright)

The AGM also saw individual recognition for personnel from the club.

The Paul Goodwin Award for RAF Scuba Diver of the Year went to one of the club members, Air Specialist 1 (T) Blair, acknowledging their exceptional commitment and contribution to the RAF scuba community.

Showcasing the club’s creativity, the Videography Award was secured by the club for their high-quality media productions.

The winning entry was presented to Mr Phil Blake of Airtanker and captured the professionalism, teamwork and unique opportunities RAF Scuba continues to provide.

The Paul Goodwin Award for RAF Scuba Diver of the Year went to one of the club members, Air Specialist 1 (T) Blair (Image: MOD Crown Copyright)

The success underscores the positive impact of adventurous training in personnel development, building teamwork and resilience.

With approximately 5,800 service personnel, 300 civilian staff, and 1,200 contractors, RAF Brize Norton is the largest RAF Station.

RAF Brize Norton Sub Aqua Club also won the Videography Award (Image: MOD Crown Copyright)

Located in Oxfordshire, the station is home to the RAF’s Air Mobility Force, Air-to-Air Refuelling forces, and hosts several lodger and reserve units.

With a mixed fleet of aircraft, the station provides rapid global mobility.

RAF Brize Norton supports UK overseas operations and exercises, as well as Air-to-Air Refuelling support for fast jet aircraft, both on operations and in support of UK Homeland Defence.