Residents invited to explore the future of our rivers and streams

West Oxfordshire residents are invited to attend a Waterways Fair, hosted by West Oxfordshire District Council, on Saturday 25 October at the Corn Exchange, Witney, running from 10am to 2pm. 

The fair will showcase the work of local groups, charities and agencies dedicated to protecting and improving our rivers, streams and wetlands. From tackling sewage pollution and agricultural impacts to improving flood resilience and restoring habitats, residents will be able to explore the challenges facing our waterways and the innovative solutions already under way. 

Cllr Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for the Environment, said: 

"Our rivers are at the heart of West Oxfordshire – they shape our towns, our countryside, and our way of life. Every flood, every discharge, every polluted stretch of river is a reminder that we cannot take our waterways for granted. 

“Over the past year, we’ve pushed for real accountability, strengthened our work on flood management, stood alongside local campaigners calling for cleaner rivers, and pressed for urgent action on sewage pollution. The Waterways Fair is a chance for residents to meet the organisations leading this call, ask questions, and discover the part we can all play in safeguarding our waterways." 

Organisations taking part include: 

• Evenlode Catchment Partnership 
• Witney Flood Group 
• Cotswolds Rivers Trust 
• Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) 
• Thames Water 
• Oxfordshire County Council Highways 
• Environment Agency 

Visitors will be able to explore a range of displays, activities and demonstrations. From learning about wetlands, river restoration and citizen science, to seeing how local flood sensors work and finding out more about community emergency planning, there will be plenty of practical insights to take away. 

The Waterways Fair is free to attend and open to all. No booking or tickets are required. 

Contact Information

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk