Wild About Wallingford

 

In celebration of Root One’s 25th anniversary we have chosen to use this opportunity to give back to the local community by hosting a Grand Prize Draw with all the proceeds going to a very deserving charity, Wild about Wallingford.

Wild about Wallingford is a community-led charity, established in 2020, that provides support for activities, projects, and campaigns that aim to improve the green and blue spaces right here in Wallingford benefiting both the wildlife and the wellbeing of those who live in the area.

From small corners on the roadside to planting and maintaining community orchards and the nearby Mill Brook, their volunteers are improving the local area and getting people involved with wildlife, gardening and practical conservation, often working in partnership with local organisations and businesses. 

Below are a few initiatives they have been focused on.

Feather’s Yard

 The Feather’s Yard project was carried out in collaboration with KP Wallingford and with the endorsement of Wallingford Town Council. Funding for the installation of the containers was provided by 1155 and the Wallingford Allotments and Gardens Society. The trees and underplanting were supplied and planted by GreenArt, with guidance on species selection from the Town Council’s Tree Working Group. The photo shows the beautiful Amelanchier trees in blossom. Waitrose also kindly provided access to their water supply.

Mill Brook project

Coppicing works carried out along the Mill Brook, with the addition of wildflower seed sowing and the planting of foxgloves and cowslips, undertaken in partnership with Wallingford Sports Park and the Wallingford Mill Brook Restoration Group, with support from S106 funding provided by South Oxfordshire District Council, to improve the health and management of the brookside habitat.

To help illustrate the transformation, the blue container has been left in place in each photograph as a reference point, emphasising the before-and-after impact of the works.

The ‘Taco’

Here are some photos of “The Taco” so named because of the distinctive curved shape of the site, located on the corner of Wantage and Sinodun Roads.

The site is owned by Oxfordshire County Council, which generously funded the purchase of the rowan tree that now forms a focal point of the space.

Last year, The Taco was entered into the Thames & Chilterns RHS Britain in Bloom’s ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ category and achieved the ‘Thriving’ category.

Radnor Road Community Orchard

Radnor Road Community Orchard, showing the site when the fruit trees were first planted and again more recently in April 2026. Over the years, the orchard has developed into a valuable green space for both wildlife and the local community.

The orchards at Radnor Road and Wilding Road were created with permission through South Oxfordshire District Council’s Tree Planting Licence scheme, alongside funding provided through SODC community grants.

All of Wild about Wallingford’s work on this and many other local environmental initiatives have been heavily supported by CAG Oxfordshire.

Style Acre

The Root One team are proud to sponsor Style Acre, a local charity that enhances the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism.

We are supporting their garden project, a transformed dilapidated area that now produces flowers, vegetables and fruit with the relevant gardening tools and equipment. We agree that gardening delivers a multitude of benefits and is a great opportunity for the adults with learning disabilities and autism to be involved in.

We have also sponsored their Green Acre project, which is their gardening maintenance social enterprise, established to provide work opportunities and training for people with learning disabilities and autism.

The team visit local Style Acre houses to undertake gardening maintenance jobs, including hedge trimming, mowing and planting. Keep an eye out for their van with our logo on.

For further information please click here.

Proud Sponsors of the Walled Gardens of Wallingford

At Root One, we are thrilled to announce our continued sponsorship of the Walled Gardens of Wallingford. This year’s event is particularly special because all proceeds will be donated to multiple charities, in addition to Style Acre, the event will also be contributing to three other important charities in Wallingford.

The Corn Exchange, a vital hub for the people of Wallingford and surrounding villages as both a theatre and cinema. Managed by dedicated volunteers, it has faced financial challenges in recent years due to major roof repairs, periods of closure because of COVID-19, and potential threats from local planning applications.

Wallingford Museum, this local treasure provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of Wallingford, contributions will assist in maintaining its exhibits and operations, preserving the rich heritage of our area for future generations.

St Mary’s Church, a historic landmark in need of significant roof repairs, as an integral part of the Wallingford community these funds are essential for repairs, ensuring the church remains a welcoming place for worship and community events.

We invite everyone to join us in the Walled Gardens of Wallingford for a day of admiring gardens, enjoyment, and giving back. See you in the gardens!

Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary

We’ve adopted Donkeys!

Root One are the proud adoptive parents of Lucas and Brewster. They’ve both had difficult starts in life but are now loved and cared for at our local Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary.

For further information please click here!

Brewster

Lucas

BrightFest

We are excited to announce our sponsorship of BrightFest, the annual summer charity music festival held in the picturesque village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.

At the heart of BrightFest is its commitment to supporting local charities and community projects. By attending the festival, you’re not only guaranteed a day of fun and entertainment but also contributing to worthy causes that make a real difference in the community.