Otmoor

Otmoor is owned and managed by the RSPB and is one of their wet grassland reserves on the outskirts of Oxford. It has been created from a network of pools and ditches and provides wading birds with feeding areas. It has a 22 hectare reedbed which was created as a reservoir for the rest of the reserve. Cattle graze the grass during the summer months giving different vegetation heights which are great habitats for some of the wildlife that visits, including Wigeons who like to graze the short grass in winter and flocks of golden plover and lapwing also hunt these areas for insects. The ditches leading from and to the reedbed also are home to a variety of dragonfly and damselflies.

Otmoor is a little off the beaten track, but is a haven the once you are there you will marvel at, away from traffic and people (except those visiting of course, which each time I have been it has been eerily quiet of people). Leaving the main A40/A34 head for the village of Horton-Cum-Stanley and eventually you are on roads and tracks only a car wide and on reaching the reserve you are greeted with a gravel car park, big enough for 30 cars. Pack up your kit, leave the car and then you walk along the one and a half mile visitor trail, which takes you to the reedbeds.

The site is open all year round, but there are no facilities, no toilets, or visitor centre just 2 reedbed viewing screens (these are screens no roofs, they are not hides so you are open to the elements) and maybe a very helpful RSPB volunteer if you're there at the right time of day and a survey is taking place.

During the winter months, paths will be muddy so you will need a good pair of wellington or walking boots. There are no shelters so make sure you wrap up warm and are prepared for a change in the weather in winter, but have protection from the sun during the summer. It is a totally open site, no shelter and a long walk to the reedbeds, but once at the reedbeds not only are you rewarded with the wildlife on the water, but also the views across the fields, a village church in the distance across the fields, and the tranquillity of the site.

Star Species include Lapwing, Skylark and Tufted Duck may be seen all year round. During the winter months look out for pintails, gadwalls and shovelers with the wigeon and teals. Whilst from late April-September you may see a Hobby, they hunt small birds and dragonflies, throughout summer and late autumn Little Egrets may be fishing.

There is a Military Rifle Range close by and may be active any day except Monday's and Thursdays, when some of the public footpaths nearby are closed.

Facilities onsite include viewpoints and two reedbed viewing screens. One 1.5 mile visitor trail which is only suitable for pushchairs/wheelchairs in the summer months, with some effort. It is grass based and not hardcore.

Location: Otmoor Grassland Reserve Near Oxford Grid Reference: SP570126 Ceremonial County: Oxfordshire Map Link: VIEW MAP Aerial photo: Getting there: Nearest town is Oxford. From the A40 at Headington take the road signposted to the Crematorium. After 2 miles turn onto B4027 to Horton-cum-studley Horton Cum Studley. Turn left to Beckley, down a steep hill, turning right just before the Abingdon Arms, then sharp left into Otmoor Lane. Follow road to end and car park is on your left. Access: A natural site with unimproved paths and trails. Access may not be suitable for all visitors. All paths are flat, with ramps up to the reedbed screens. Car Park for 30 cars Website: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/o/otmoor/index.asp Other Useful Websites: Email: Address: Postcode: Telephone: 01865 351163 Opening Times: Daily from Dawn to Dusk. Charges: None Nearby Locations: Other Location Pages: Other Relevant Pages: Notes:

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By: Tracey Park	Section: Wildlife	Key:
Page Ref: Otmoor	Topic: Wildfowl & Wetland Spaces	Last Updated: 03/2010

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