Welcome to The Howe Trust!
The Howe Trust provide small grants for local people in need, and we also look after 26 acres of green space in Wheatley, Oxfordshire. The land, which is known collectively as The Howe, includes allotments, a small orchard and memorial tree area as well as grassland, scrub, hedgerows and woodland.
We work with other local and charitable organisations to manage The Howe land both for biodiversity, and the people of Wheatley.
Over the years we have benefitted from advice and financial support from Wheatley Parish Council and charities such as Wild Oxfordshire, The Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE) and Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).
Enjoy Green Space
We aim to protect and improve the valuable habitats and species the land supports. We do this while ensuring The Howe is open to all to enjoy – as an area of quiet reflection, recreation and relaxation.
We welcome well-controlled dogs on leads.
Connect With Nature
Rare breed sheep and horses graze The Howe, and it’s also home to a variety of other wildlife. Foxes, badgers, Muntjac and Roe deer can all be seen, as well as many birds and butterflies not commonly found in gardens.
Look out for Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies!
Boost Wellbeing
Gardening is good for you!
The Howe is often busy with the many allotment holders growing huge varieties of fruit and vegetables – and flowers too. There are 110 allotments of varying sizes, including an accessible raised bed area, all of which boast beautiful views across the village towards the Otmoor and the Chilterns.
Our Work
Throughout the year we provide small grants for individuals and organisations in need. The next applications deadlines are Thursday 7th March and Thursday 9th May 2024.
We also organise a Christmas Hamper Scheme which supports families in receipt of free school meals. This important initiative has helped some of the most vulnerable families in our community since 2020 and would not be possible without the generous financial donations we receive each December from our local supporters.
We have a memorial garden area where people can arrange with us to plant a tree with a plaque to celebrate an event or commemorate the life of a loved one. Over the years we’ve also received generous legacies from local people. These help us to fund the more specialist work on The Howe – such as instructing experts to survey our woodland for Ash Dieback or employing tree surgeons to pollard willows or carry out work to protect our larger specimen trees.
If you’d like to find out more about applying for a grant, planting a tree, making a donation or leaving a bequest, then get in touch.
Get Involved
Our committee of trustees live in the village. We also have a small number of regular helpers who carry out routine maintenance tasks, such as mowing or fixing fences.
We are always looking to welcome new volunteers to help – of all ages and abilities. Absolutely no prior experience or equipment required. Typically, you’ll work in a small group, planting trees, clearing weeds, cutting back brambles, or helping with specific projects such as new hedgerow creation.
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to get involved, either on a regular or ad hoc basis.