Woodstock’s natural habitats include:
The Water Meadows
The water meadows are a unique feature in the heart of the town providing a valuable habitat for birds, small mammals, and plants from small aquatic species to mature trees. It covers 5.5 hectares of land on the flood plain of the River Glyme and is easily accessible to the public as an area of quiet tranquillity. It is bounded on the north by the mill stream which, these days, carries most of the water through and under the main A44 road and in to the Blenheim Lake by the seven arches bridge. On the south side it is bounded by the more modest flows of the residual Glyme river. The watermeadows are frequently flooded in winter although drier areas have been set aside for managed grazing. The area is home to a large number of pollarded willows, white poplar and more recently planted species.
The Watermeadows has a Facebook Page: Click here to view
BBOWT Land Advice Service has produced a Management Report (Sept 2022) on the Water Meadows for the Town Council: BBOWT Management Plan
A large number of birds and mammals have been spotted by our Volunteer Warden over the last year: Wildlife Report for Watermeadows
ROSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) provides an annual report for the Town Council – the latest November 2023 can be viewed here) –2023-11 ROSPA Report
The Old Woodstock Line (OWL) Nature Reserve
In 2005 the Council acquired the old railway line (Old Woodstock Line – OWL) which had lain abandoned for many years at the back of Budds Close off Banbury Road.
The Woodstock Community Woodland
The Town Council also has responsibility for the Woodstock Community Woodland to the north of the town. This project is managed by Sustainable Woodstock on behalf of the Council and all enquiries should be made to www.sustainablewoodstock.co.uk.
Pictured here are the group on the final day of planting the 1600 trees that comprise the woodland.