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Description
Otmoor is nearly 400 hectares of wet grassland, reedbed and hedgerows. The reserve hosts a wide variety of resident and migrant birds, plus other birds of passage. The greatest part consists of wet pasture, which floods seasonally, and some artificial scrapes which provide nesting and feeding grounds for waterbirds and waders and hunting grounds for raptors. There's also scrub for songbirds, etc.
Details
Access
RSPB Otmoor is located 6,5 mile northeast of Oxford. The car park is adjacent to the reserve, where access is by foot along level public bridleways and reserve footpaths. The postcode is OX3 9TD. Press P on the map for directions. Public transport links are poor, but there is a bus #108 which infrequently serves Beckley (1 mile/20 minutes away). See link below to check times. Alternatively, one can walk mostly along bridleways from Barton on the outskirts of Oxford.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Otmoor RSPB Reserve is adjacent to a military firing range. Do not enter this area for any reason when red flags are showing - this indicates firing with lethal ammunition. Pay attention to any notices.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Plain , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
There are no refreshment or toilet facilities on site - bring food and drink to support a full day's visit. Some footpaths are open and exposed, so dress appropriately and take sunscreen in bright weather.
After wet weather, all paths are liable to flooding or deep mud: wear suitable footwear.
Sadly, the reserve no longer sees hrdlička poľná, but žeriav popolavý have become regular visitors, and have bred.
The threat of major road development to the Otmoor basin appears to have been removed. The Oxford to Cambridge Expressway proposals had included an option to cross Otmoor but this has been excluded by the Government.
Links
- RSPB website on Otmoor
- Otmoor Birding - blog
- Oxford to Cambridge Expressway - RSPB commentary
- Oxfordbus.co.uk/services/OXBC/108