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Description
Farmoor Reservoir and its locality have a reputation for attracting unusual birds, particularly passage migrants in various seasons. This is more than just a large expanse of water: the riverside, woodland and scrub areas demand patient investigation.
Details
Access
Access to this site is best by car; there's a large carpark, accessed from Cumnor Road, for which there is a charge (not enforced in early 2024). If travelling by public transport, the S1 Gold bus departs frequently fom central Oxford and stops in Farmoor village, about a kilometre from the public entrance.
Within the site, access is by level paths, some of which are paved. There is a ramp from the carpark to the side of the reservoir.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Lake , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Reedbeds , RiverConditions
Flat , Wet , Open landscape , No shadowCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Access to the reservoir, riverside, meadows and associated hides is largely unrestricted, but pay attention to signs. The hide for the Pinkhill Reserve used to be locked and the access code obtained by phone from the warden (phone number posted at the hide); this appears to have lapsed and the hide is open. The meadows and scrapes south of Pinkhill should be approached via the river as using the more obvious roadway is liable to spook any birds.
The bird list, below, includes some highly seasonal and occasional birds. It's worth checking local sighting lists.