Oxford Civic Society

Oxford Civic Society is dedicated to the continuous improvement of Oxford as a wonderful city in which to live, work, study and relax. Appreciating our past, enjoying the present and pursuing a vision for the future are at the heart of what we do.

We are a registered charity. We are a friendly organisation and welcome new members. If you would like to know more about the city and help us make a difference – join us. Better still you could volunteer to join one of our working groups and help shape the city’s future.

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Consultations and Analyses

OCS's long-form responses and analysis of recent major issues

Walks in Oxford Calendar 2026

Our beautiful appointments calendar features stunning photos of walks in Oxford and a different walk for each month. A lovely addition to any home and a great Christmas gift for family and friends! We hope the calendar will encourage people to enjoy our wonderful city on foot – and use our Walks in Oxford website for further suggestions.

You can buy copies of the calendar at our talks (see the Programme page). The Gulp Fiction bookshop in the Covered Market and Pen to Paper in the Summertown shops hold stocks.

The calendar costs £10 (plus P & P if bought online).

What's New - January 2026

Consultations on Local Government Reorganization

The Government has confirmed it will consult on all three proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire. Starting next month, the seven-week consultation on the single unitary, two unitary and three unitary proposals will involve residents and stakeholders. To support the consultation the Oxford Civic Society will continue its public meeting programme started in late 2025. The government is expected to decide which of the three models to choose in the summer. In the interim the OCS will focus its research on the Thames Valley Authority (see following item).

Interim Report of the Oxford Growth Commission

This interim report sets out a vision for how Oxford and the surrounding area can grow sustainably and in a way that benefits everyone. The report looks at delivering new homes; focusing growth in and around Oxford to make the most of existing infrastructure; supporting jobs, innovation and inward investment; reducing pressure on more rural areas and cutting commuting distances.

Thames Valley Mayor

What’s unclear is how the recommendations of the Oxford Growth Commission will be reflected in final decisions on local government reorganization and the Thames Valley Mayoral Authority. If any OCS members, or independent researchers, would like to contribute to the research on parish and town councils and area committees or the strategic planning role of the mayoral authority, please contact Ian Green, OCS Chairman chairman@oxcivicsoc.org.uk

Oxfordshire Gardens Trust

The Oxfordshire Gardens Trust host a series of online talks that are open to non-members for a small fee. Have a look at what is coming up in 2026 here.

Time to buy your 2026 calendar

We’re planning to make the Oxford Civic Society calendar available via our website this month. And in other OCS news, we are still looking for a shopfront to promote our message and also for some storage space for our kit – please email info@oxcivicsoc.org.uk if you can help with either.