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.

Stowford House in Abingdon transformed into a scene from wartime Britain to honour the historic day, welcoming 11 members of the British Army from Dalton Barracks to join in the festivities. Team members and guests dressed in 1940s attire and sang wartime songs throughout the day.

Stephanie Jones, home manager, said: “We had a wonderful time honouring VE Day with residents and the British Army. Enabling residents, especially veterans who live at the home, to foster meaningful connections and reminisce with the local community is an important part of life at Stowford House.

“Our VE Day celebrations gave everyone the perfect opportunity to share their memories of times gone by and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war. I’d like to thank our neighbours for joining us and our team, who worked so hard to make the day special.”

The event was especially meaningful for two residents.

Peter, who served in the RAF and Armed Forces, said: “I remember the simple Army uniforms. Many of my friends wanted to join the RAF rather than the Armed Forces.”

Marjorie, whose brothers all went to war, added: “I’m grateful they all returned safely.”

Members of the community in attendance were also treated to a special tea party, complete with freshly baked cakes. Stowford House offers full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care.

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.