Get Involved

“It’s a top priority for Natural England to unlock the potential of the natural environment to help address the challenges we are facing as a society: poor physical health and mental wellbeing; the climate change crisis and the devastating loss of wildlife.

At the beginning of 2024, Hooky in Harmony linked up with Cherwell & Ray Water Watchers, to help monitor Hook Norton Brook and part of the Swere. Testing is done by volunteers on the second weekend of each month and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. No experience or knowledge is necessary with full equipment, training, and support provided. The testing is very easy to do, but some of the test sites do require some field walking to access them. Initial testing is done with an experienced volunteer. We currently have enough volunteers, however, if you are interested please email as volunteer spaces do become available. Volunteers do not have to commit to test every month as we work as a team.

Hook Norton Brook and The Swere need your help

In times of crisis the natural world is a source of joy and solace. It produces the comfort that can come from nothing else. Sir David Attenborough

Did you know?

Research by the University of Plymouth in 2020 has shown that individuals who visit natural spaces weekly and feel psychologically connected to them, report better physical and mental wellbeing.

Alongside the benefits to public health, those who make weekly nature visits, or feel connected to nature, are also more likely to behave in ways which promote environmental health, such as recycling and conservation activities.

Let's get out there!

DEFRA currently class Hook Norton Brook as

"Poor ecological status!”

We have recently been asked for advice about helping injured wildllife. Calling a local veterinary surgery is a good place to start, but we also have some great Wildlife Rescue Centres in our area. These include:

The Nutkin Ward in Middleton Cheney, run by Tess, a registered veterinary nurse with over 20 years wildlife care experience. Tess set up the Nutkin Ward in 2010 in response to a need for local wildlife care. The Nutkin Ward's mobile number is: 07733 220266 - leave a message and they call you back.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue based in Blewbury. Their Wildlife Casualty Centre is open from 9am until 10pm, but they also have a 24 hour manned helpline and run a wildlife ambulance for larger casuaties that are unable to be taken by members of the public to the centre.

Hooky in Harmony will be celebrating this International event. Further updates soon!