This page contains some information about local activities and organisations under the following headings.

• “Alternative” Health
• Education
• Spiritual life
• Sport and other active pursuits in the area

Alternative Health

See our directory for a list of alternative health practitioners in the area.

Education

You can find a list of conventional educational courses and colleges in the area at Abingdon and Witney Colleges. In addition

• The Wychwood Project runs courses in Rural Crafts such as hedgelaying, drystone walling and rural crafts
• Witney College runs courses in animal care, equine studies and horticulture at its Common Leys Farm Campus in Hailey
• The Finstock Local History Society has regular lectures on local history

Spirit

The Wychwood area exudes a sense of spirituality. Some attribute this to the rich habitat, and some to the ley lines of the surrounding area, many of which are marked by ancient stones, for example The Hoar Stone, near Enstone and, The Hawk Stone, near Dean.
As well as the mainstream Church of England, the Wychwood Forest is host to many faiths and beliefs. In particular there was in the 18th century a strong Quaker presence which shows sign of modern revival.

Sport

Sport is not only good exercise and entertainment but plays a vital part as “social glue” in keeping communities strong. For a list of local sports clubs in the area visit the town and village websites listed in the directory. For help in improving your playing field or playground contact the Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association.

You can help the environment and stay fit. A hard way of doing this is to generate all your home electricity with a treadmill. An easier way involves making an effort to drive less and walk or cycle more. There are many footpaths, for example, The Circular Walk in Charlbury, The River Windrush walk, The Wychwood Way, and Witney Lakes and Meadows walks as well as many cycle tracks in the Wychwood area.

A revolutionary way of keeping fit is the GREEN GYM. This provides outdoor exercise working on environmental projects.