Sustainability

Nature at The Oaks: A Living Woodland Wonderland

At The Oaks, we are fortunate to be nestled on the edge of Shotover Country Park — a richly biodiverse landscape of ancient woodland, rolling meadows, and secret glades, just a few miles from the historic city of Oxford. This extraordinary setting brings with it not only peace and beauty, but an ever-changing parade of wildlife that shares the land with us.

At The Oaks, we are fortunate to be nestled on the edge of Shotover Country Park — a richly biodiverse landscape of ancient woodland, rolling meadows, and rare heathland, just a few miles from the historic city of Oxford. The park’s varied habitats support a rich tapestry of plant life, from seasonal wildflowers that paint the meadows in vibrant colour, to ancient trees that lend the land a sense of timeless grandeur.

Shotover is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers may glimpse woodpeckers, owls, kestrels, and many other woodland species. Foxes, rabbits, and small mammals are commonly seen in the undergrowth, and if you’re lucky — especially at dawn or dusk — you might spot deer emerging silently from the trees.

Depending on the season, you may spot deer grazing at dawn, or find yourself enchanted by bats swooping overhead at dusk. We even have a bat detector on hand and offer guided evening walks, where guests can explore the woodland edges and help us identify different bat species as they flit between trees and echo across the night sky.

The bee hives at The Oaks are another special part of our ecosystem. Not only do our bees produce delicious honey (which we bottle and reuse sustainably), but they also play a vital role in pollinating wildflowers and fruit trees throughout the site. Their gentle hum is a sign that the land is alive and thriving.

Wildflowers are left to bloom along the margins of our paths, and hedgerows are left untamed in places to create safe nesting sites for robins, wrens, blackbirds, goldfinches, and bluetits. In the warmer months, the air dances with butterflies, bees, and moths, and the grass rustles with the occasional toad or rabbit making its way through the undergrowth.

We believe in working with nature — not against it — and every corner of The Oaks is designed to let the wild in. From tree planting to natural fertilisers, wildlife corridors to habitat piles, we are slowly but surely shaping a place where nature and people co-exist in harmony.

Whether you're staying in the treehouse, The Faun’s Hideaway, or The Beaver’s Den, you're not just booking a place to stay — you're entering a living landscape, full of surprise and wonder. Bring your camera, your curiosity, and maybe even your walking boots. The woods are calling.

Biodiversity:

Tree Management

Good stewardship of the estate includes the planting of native species of trees. We have an annual tree planting program, to help build resilience and sequester carbon.

HoneyBees & Our Orchard

Pollination services provided by bees are critical for both ecosystem function and crop production. As members of the British Beekeepers Association, we are committed to supporting the environment, biodiversity, sustainability and quality of life. We maintain 6 beehives on site and also maintain a beautiful orchard of fruit and nut trees nearby - the ideal environment for our honey! In the welcome hamper, we leave a jar of our honey for each guest as well as some home made chocolate bonbons infused with our honey!

Woodland Management

Log piles & deadwood: Left in place to encourage microhabitats
Wildflower zones: Nectar, shelter, and breeding ground for insects
Orchard & woodland: Mixed habitats for our bees, for birds, butterflies, fungi, and mammals like deer
Minimal light pollution: Protecting nocturnal species like bats and owls

Circular Economy:

We prioritise sustainable, local, and upcycled materials throughout our spaces—right down to the beams salvaged from the skip of the church where C.S. Lewis is buried, and the lovingly repurposed stonework woven into our designs. The rustic character of the estate offers countless opportunities to reuse and reimagine, from reclaimed wood to antique furnishings with a story to tell.

Minimising Energy Usage

We strive to reduce our energy footprint through efficient, thoughtful choices:

Air Source Heat Pumps: Use of air source heat pumps utlise 3 times less energy.
Low-energy lighting and appliances across all properties
Eco-friendly heating systems including log burners and efficient insulation
Lights on Timer: We encourage our guests to turn off outside lights but also they are on a timer in case the guests forget!

Water & Waste Management

We are always working to reduce waste—from packaging to disposal:

Recycling bins and guidance are provided in every accommodation
Refillable cleaning and toiletry products are used throughout the estate
Reusable cloths, minimal disposables, and natural materials are standard
We are moving to using our own well water to minimise our use of mains water

Low-Impact Travel

Bicycles are available for guests to rent
Guests can explore local walks and cycle routes from their doorstep
EV charging point available

Place Based Impact

We open our land for the benefit of the wider community:

Oxford Art Week: We are a venue for Hosting artists during Oxford Art Week
Charity Fund Raiser & Events: Welcoming patients from across the country for our Congenital Anaemia Network charity events
Bat Walks: We run bat walks in Shotover Park for our guests
Shotover Park Clean-up Campaign: Annual Spring Clean Up - Exchange Free Crepes for a bag of collected litter!

Contact

If you have any queries on our sustainability policy, feel free to reach out.

hello@theoaks.uk

+44 75 11 22 33 75