Reserves and species

Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:28

Iffley Meadows

Please note: Over the next few months, Oxfordshire County Council is working with contractor Skanska to improve the footpath and cycleway along the Thames Path adjacent to Iffley Meadows in Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council and Skanska have worked closely with BBOWT and site owners Oxford City Council to ensure minimal disruption to this important floodplain meadow.
The work will widen the tow path and also repair damage to improve it for pedestrians and cyclists.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
33.00
Short Description: 
The sight of thousands of purple and white chequered snake's-head fritillaries at these ancient wet meadows will take your breath away. Snake's-head fritillaries usually begin flowering around mid-April, but the cold and wet weather of early spring made them a little later this year. Visit from now till late April/early May to see them at their best. The annual count, which took place this year on 17 April, recorded 69,266 plants.
Smartphone Description: 
These ancient wet meadows, crossed by old river channels with willow-lined ditches, are rich in wildlife. Every spring, the meadows play host to the wonderful sight of the snake's-head fritillary in bloom, with over 89,000 at their peak in April 2015. Several species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen and warblers can be heard chattering in the reeds.
Location
Address: 
1.5 miles south of city centre
Town: 
Oxford
County: 
Oxfordshire
Postcode: 
OX4 4BL
Grid ref: 
SP 525 039
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Take A4144 (Abingdon Road) from Oxford centre or ring road; turn at B4495 (Donnington Bridge Road); park in Meadow Lane on right after bridge; cross back over bridge, take ramp down to towpath, reserve is on right.
Walking information: 
Flat overall; rough underfoot in places, wet patches all year; kissing gates, gates, 30m 1 in 4 ramp from road to towpath
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01865 775476
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Iffley Meadows
Species: 
Adder's-tongue Fern
Cowslip
Cuckooflower
Great Burnet
Marsh-marigold
Meadow Vetchling
Pepper Saxifrage
Ragged-Robin
Snake's-head Fritillary
Banded demoiselle
Orange-tip
Cetti's Warbler
Reed Bunting
Sedge Warbler
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:28

Hurley Chalk Pit

Varied habitats

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
1.00
Short Description: 
A sliver of beech woodland and chalk grassland, Hurley Chalk Pit is visited by 15 species of butterfly and home to wild orchids.
Smartphone Description: 
A small reserve, Hurley Chalk Pit encompasses a varied range of habitats, including woodland, scrub, grassland and mixed hedgerows. The warm and sheltered excavated chalk pit attracts many butterflies, including common blues and gatekeepers. The woodland bluebells form a beautiful sight in spring. Six different wild orchids have been recorded on the reserve including bee, pyramidal and fragrant orchids. Wild marjoram flourishes on the pit floor, alongside cowslip and wild candytuft.
Location
Address: 
2.5 miles east of
Town: 
Henley-on-Thames
County: 
Oxfordshire
Postcode: 
RG9 3EB
Grid ref: 
SU 813 821
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
On A4130 2.5 miles east of Henley, park in lay-by 100m west of Black Boy pub; take the bridleway opposite pub for 0.5 miles.
Walking information: 
Gentle slopes but take care of some loose flint and roots
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01865 775476
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Hurley Chalk Pit
Species: 
Autumn Gentian
Bee Orchid
Bluebell
Fragrant Orchid
Rock-rose
Cowslip
Spindle
Wayfaring-tree
Wild Marjoram
Brimstone
Common Blue
Gatekeeper
Speckled Wood
Badger
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Hook Norton Cutting

Railway past

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
8.00
Short Description: 
Renowned for its Jurassic fossil interest, this former railway cutting is also a wildlife gem for birds, butterflies and flowers.
Smartphone Description: 
The southern section of Hook Norton Cutting has sunny banks of limestone grassland with an abundance of wild flowers. The northern section has areas of woodland including oak, field maple and ash. 47 bird species have been recorded here, the woods ringing out with birdsong in spring and summer. The cutting is also notable for its bee and butterfly population.
Location
Address: 
7.5 miles south-west of
Town: 
Banbury
County: 
Oxfordshire
Postcode: 
OX15 5JR (northern section)
Grid ref: 
SP 360 323
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
0.25 miles south of Hook Norton village on unclassified road to Swerford, park on hard verge
Walking information: 
Steep slopes; flat, firm path; some loose stone; stiles, steps (no access to railway tunnel)
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01865 775476
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Hook Norton Cutting
Species: 
Common Spotted orchid
Cowslip
Hart's-tongue Fern
Opposite-leaved Golden-Saxifrage
Oxeye Daisy
Quaking-grass
Salad Burnet
Wild Carrot
Wild Marjoram
Woolly Thistle
Common Blue
Marbled White
Meadow Brown
Ringlet
Speckled Wood
Common Lizard
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Badger
Red Fox
Best time to visit
Start: 
January
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Homefield Wood

Forest past

Woodland and grassland have existed on this warm slope for at least 200 years, though forestry work has created many changes. The reserve is made up of beech, ash, sycamore and whitebeam with glades and open grassland.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
6.00
Short Description: 
Rare orchids are the treasures of this small but outstanding reserve - and it's also a haven for birds, butterflies and moths. Record numbers of orchids were seen in 2016: a total of 722 flowering military orchids, and an abundance of fly orchids in flower. This reserve can attract a lot of visitors when the orchids are in flower at the end of May and early June. Please take care to avoid trampling orchids and other plants that may not yet be in flower.
Smartphone Description: 
A warm Chilterns slope, with woodland and grassland. Beech, ash, sycamore and whitebeam grow in the woodland, while wild orchids flourish in both the woodland and the grassland. The handsome military orchid, rare in the UK, grows on the scrubby grassland here. The rich variety of wild flowers that grow here attract butterflies and over 400 species of moth.
Location
Address: 
2.5 miles west of
Town: 
Marlow
County: 
Buckinghamshire
Postcode: 
SL7 2HL
Grid ref: 
SU 814 867
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Take A4155 west from Marlow; turn right at Dog and Badger pub; at T-junction turn right, then immediately left. The car park (4/5 cars only) is 500 m on left at bottom of hill. Park by forest entrance without blocking gate! Nature reserve is 50 m on right along forest track.
Walking information: 
Undulating; gentle slope, firm paths; gates and hurdles
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01442 826774
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
H
Species: 
Bee Orchid
Rock-rose
Common Spotted orchid
Primrose
Wood Spurge
Brown Argus
Common Blue
Marbled White
Silver-washed Fritillary
White-letter Hairstreak
Common Carder Bee
Red Mason Bee
Red-tailed Bumblebee
White-tailed Bumblebee
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Cuckoo
Tawny Owl
Hazel dormouse
Fallow Deer
Roe Deer
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Hitchcopse Pit

Sandy floor

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
3.00
Short Description: 
Hitchcopse Pit is an old sandpit with a fascinating array of plant and insect life.
Smartphone Description: 
Hitchcopse Pit is an old sandpit that now contains fragments of heath, woodland, scrub, grassland and a small pond. It has a high number of solitary bees and wasps. Beetles, including some rare species, are also abundant. The reserve's sandy floor is covered in lichens.
Location
Address: 
3 miles north-west of
Town: 
Abingdon
County: 
Oxfordshire
Postcode: 
OX13 5QF
Grid ref: 
SU 452 995
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
On A338, 0.25 miles south of A420 roundabout, take road (The Ride) on right, park on street. 50 m south on opposite side of A338 take byway for 0.25 miles to reach the reserve.
Walking information: 
Undulating; mostly firm, sandy patches; stile, kissing gate. Danger - cliffs
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01865 775476
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Hitchcopse Pit
Species: 
Carline Thistle
Centaury
Evening-primrose
Viper's-bugloss
Common Carder Bee
Red Mason Bee
Red-tailed Bumblebee
Ruby-tailed Wasp
White-tailed Bumblebee
Best time to visit
Start: 
January
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Haymill Valley

Transformation

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
8.00
Short Description: 
A peaceful wildlife haven in an urban and built-up area, with reedbeds and woodland that all local people can enjoy.
Smartphone Description: 
BBOWT volunteers transformed this community nature reserve in the heart of urban Slough into a wildlife haven with reedbeds and woodland. Yellow iris and marsh-marigold make a colourful sight amongst the reeds, and the cover suits birds such as reed warblers. The mixed woodland is transformed in the spring with a blue carpet of bluebells and woodpeckers nesting in the trees. Small mammals such as the wood mouse also make use of the dense cover.
Location
Address: 
Whittaker Road and Marescroft Road
Town: 
Slough
County: 
Berkshire
Postcode: 
SL2 2NN
Grid ref: 
SU 942 820
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Heading north from Burnham station, after 200 m turn left at Burnham Lane; after 450 m take right fork into Haymill Road; after 450 m turn right at roundabout into Whittaker Road; reserve 450 m on right; street parking on Littlebrook Avenue
Walking information: 
Flat; bumpy, soft after rain; kissing gates
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01628 829574
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Haymill Valley
Species: 
Marsh-marigold
Bluebell
Yellow Iris
Brimstone
Holly Blue
Orange-tip
Speckled Wood
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Coot
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Kingfisher
Moorhen
Reed Bunting
Reed Warbler
Willow Warbler
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Hartslock

Orchids galore

Bee, pyramidal and common spotted-orchids, common twayblade and white helleborine grow on this sloping grassland.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
9.50
Short Description: 
Enjoy magnificent views of the winding River Thames and sloping chalk grassland full of national rarities.
Smartphone Description: 
Enjoy breathtaking views of the meandering River Thames. The rare monkey-orchid grows here. This protected species only grows in two other locations in the UK. Other orchids, such as bee, pyramidal and common-spotted also flourish. It is an excellent site for insects, featuring uncommon grasshoppers and day-flying moths. Butterflies such as the green hairstreak and grizzled skipper may be seen.
Location
Address: 
7 miles north-west of
Town: 
Reading
County: 
Oxfordshire
Postcode: 
RG8 0EP
Grid ref: 
SU 616 796
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times. No parking on site or in the road leading to the reserve.
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Please do not park on verges and in gateways on Gatehampton Road leading to Hartslock nature reserve. Park at Goring & Streatley railway station and walk along Gatehampton Road towards Upper Gatehampton Farm. At left hand bend before the hill, take track on right to the reserve. Or park in Goring village and walk along Thames Path 1.5 miles, then take path to the left, up steep slope into the reserve.
Walking information: 
Steep slopes, firm paths; long flight of steps
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01865 775476
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Hartslock
Species: 
Bee Orchid
Rock-rose
Pasqueflower
Twayblade
Wild Marjoram
Brown Argus
Club-tailed Dragonfly
Green Hairstreak
Silver Y
Common Carder Bee
Honey Bee
Red Mason Bee
Red-tailed Bumblebee
Tawny Mining Bee
White-tailed Bumblebee
Red Kite
Swallow
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Gomm Valley

Blooming scrub

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
4.00
Short Description: 
A small piece of scrub and chalk grassland - home to wildlife - on the urban fringe of High Wycombe.
Smartphone Description: 
Chalk grassland in a dry valley on the edge of High Wycombe, Gomm Valley is full of wildlife-friendly scrub species. A spectacular display of spring blosssom makes for a beautiful sight, and flocks of birds gorge on berries in autumn and winter. There is a small woodland at the southern end of the reserve where bluebells grow.
Location
Address: 
2 miles east of
Town: 
High Wycombe
County: 
Buckinghamshire
Postcode: 
HP13 7QZ
Grid ref: 
SU 898 921
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
On A40 1.75 miles east of High Wycombe turn left into Gomm Road; park before bridge; take footpath across slope, then lower path at foot of slope through hedge; reserve is 30 m further on right.
Walking information: 
Steep slope; many roots
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01442 826774
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Gomm Valley
Species: 
Bee Orchid
Bluebell
Common Spotted orchid
Dogwood
Guelder-rose
Hawthorn
Spindle
Wayfaring-tree
Wood Anemone
Dark Green Fritillary
Glow-worm
Marbled White
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
November
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Glyme Valley

A secluded valley

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
2.50
Short Description: 
Set on a south-facing slope running down to the River Glyme, this reserve is a remaining fragment of limestone grassland in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
Smartphone Description: 
A surviving fragment of limestone grassland, this reserve in Glyme Valley has a rich variety of wildlife on untouched habitat. There are serveral large ant-hills and a variety of wild flowers including ox-eye daisy, fairy flax and bee orchid. A stretch of scrub provides excellent habitat for birds, including bullfinch and yellowhammer.
Location
Address: 
1.5 miles south-east of
Town: 
Chipping Norton
County: 
Oxfordshire
Postcode: 
OX7 5QQ
Grid ref: 
SP 334 260
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
One mile east of Chipping Norton on A44 park in layby on left; walk down footpath for 1 mile, passing New Chalford Farm; reserve is just before river at bottom of valley. A map is recommended since this reserve can be difficult to find initially.
Walking information: 
Steep slope, rough ground; stile
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01865 775476
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Glyme Valley
Species: 
Bee Orchid
Cowslip
Fairy Flax
Meadow Crane's-bill
Oxeye Daisy
Yellow-rattle
Brimstone
Common Blue
Marbled White
Orange-tip
Small Copper
Blackcap
Bullfinch
Yellowhammer
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bbowt
2011-05-04 11:27

Foxholes

Seasonal highlights

Early purple orchid

Reserve details
Trust: 
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbowt.org.uk
Size: 
23.00
Short Description: 
Breath-taking beauty in this ancient woodland famed for its spectacular spring bluebells, abundant birdlife and fabulous fungi.
Smartphone Description: 
Foxholes is a tranquil woodland sloping down to the River Evenlode. It has wildlife interest and colour all year round. In spring, the woodland is awash with bluebells that attract visitors from far afield, and by summer, tall spikes of foxgloves are in their full glory. The reserve is home to many mammals such as muntjac, fallow deer and badgers, and bird life is abundant.
Location
Address: 
4 miles north of
Town: 
Burford
County: 
Oxfordshire
Postcode: 
OX7 6QD
Grid ref: 
SP 255 207
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Travelling north on A424 from Burford, ignore right turns to Milton-under-Wychwood and take right to Bruern. Continue past staggered crossroads towards Bruern for 2 miles then past right to Shipton-under-Wychwood. After 200m limited parking is available in layby. We strongly recommend that you park and then walk down the track for 600m to the reserve entrance since the track is heavily potholed and you could risk damaging your car.
Walking information: 
Gentle sloping; mainly grassy, soft when wet, some roots, gaps (0.5m wide), kissing gate. Off-road pushchair recommended.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Reserve phone number: 
01865 775476
Reserve email address: 
info@bbowt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Foxholes nature reserve
Species: 
Fly Agaric
Oyster Mushroom
Porcelain Fungus
Bluebell
Bugle
Dog-violet
Devil's-bit Scabious
Early Purple Orchid
Foxglove
Herb-Paris
Primrose
Red Campion
Comma
Holly Blue
Ringlet
Speckled Wood
White Admiral
Common Lizard
Grass Snake
Little Owl
Nuthatch
Sparrowhawk
Tawny Owl
Treecreeper
Woodcock
Badger
Red Fox
Best time to visit
Start: 
January
End: 
December
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve