Districts:
Cherwell Parishes
Upper Heyford
The following wildlife habitats fall within this parish. They are listed according to their associated landscape type or local character area.
If you want more information about any of the sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) listed below, take a look at English Nature's Nature on the Map website. It may also be possible to find out a bit more about the unnamed wildlife habitats in the parish by contacting the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (owls@oxfordshire.gov.uk) and quoting the site code next to the habitat description.
The majority of these wildlife habitats are on private land and access to them is not possible without permission of the landowner, unless there is a statutory right of way. However, many wildlife habitats in the county are open to the public. More information on these can be obtained from the Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum.
Wildlife Habitats
Farmland Plateau
Site Code: 52I05
Area: 28ha
This site was used up until fairly recent times as an airbase. Like many airfields the grassland between the runways was managed simply by mowing. This meant it escaped ploughing and the use of herbicides and fertilizers and large areas still supports a good variety of wildflowers
Both flower rich limestone and neutral grassland are present. Both are national priorities for nature conservation. Wildflowers present include many bee orchids, cowslip, devil’s-bit scabious, oxeye daisy, knapweeds and bird’s foot trefoil. A good range of butterflies can be seen including common blue, marbled white, Essex skipper and small heath.
Open expanses of grassland like this are good habitat for birds. Many skylark nest here and curlew, grey partridge and corn bunting are also thought to breed. Skylark and grey partridge, along with tree sparrow and linnet, which can also be seen, are priority species for nature conservation in the UK. It is important to note that the nesting birds use the grassland outside the County Wildlife Site as well. Meadow pipit, which is now rarely found nesting in Oxfordshire, is present here.
Site Code: 52I05
Area: 28ha
This site is a disused airfield. Like many airfields the grassland between the runways was managed simply by mowing. This meant it escaped ploughing and the use of herbicides and fertilizers and large areas still supports a good variety of wildflowers
Both flower rich limestone and neutral grassland are present. Both are national priorities for nature conservation. Wildflowers present include many bee orchids, cowslip, devil’s-bit scabious, oxeye daisy, knapweeds and bird’s foot trefoil. A good range of butterflies can be seen including common blue, marbled white, Essex skipper and small heath.
Open expanses of grassland like this are good habitat for birds. Many skylark nest here and curlew, grey partridge and corn bunting are also thought to breed. Skylark and grey partridge, along with tree sparrow and linnet, which can also be seen, are priority species for nature conservation in the UK. It is important to note that the nesting birds use the grassland outside the County Wildlife Site as well. Meadow pipit, which is now rarely found nesting in Oxfordshire, is present here.
River Meadowlands
Site Code: 42X02
Area: 1.6 ha
This site is a small very wet marshy area next to the Oxford Canal. It has a great variety of wetland and wet grassland species including ragged robin, cuckooflower, meadow rue, water mint and devil’s-bit scabious. Species rich marshes such as this are uncommon in Oxfordshire and are a priority for conservation.
The marsh has large raised clumps of greater tussock sedge, which have an almost primeval appearance, and other areas of large sedge, reed-grass and rushy areas. There are also areas of wet scrub with willow, hawthorn and blackthorn. Southern marsh orchids and cowslips are found in this area.