England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Oxfordshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Oxfordshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Otmoor

Near Beckley, near Oxford

Habitat: Wet grassland, reedbeds and shallow pools surrounded by hedgerows.
Wildlife to look for: Lapwing, redshank, curlew (spring–summer), grass snake (warmer months), barn owl.

02 / 05

Near Bix, near Henley-on-Thames

Habitat: Extensive woodland with chalk grassland and sunny clearings in a Chiltern valley.
Wildlife to look for: Red kite, nuthatch, silver-washed fritillary butterfly (summer), purple hairstreak butterfly (summer), white admiral butterfly (summer).

03 / 05

Near Goring-on-Thames

Habitat: Steep chalk grassland above the River Thames, with woodland and scrub.
Wildlife to look for: Red kite, chalkhill blue butterfly (summer), green hairstreak butterfly (spring–early summer), grizzled skipper butterfly (spring–early summer).

04 / 05

Near Chimney, near Bampton

Habitat: Wildflower meadows, wet grassland and pools beside the River Thames.
Wildlife to look for: Curlew (spring–summer), brown hare, barn owl, wigeon (winter), golden plover (winter).

05 / 05

Near Cothill, near Abingdon

Habitat: An old quarry with sandy cliffs, wet fen, grassland and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Green woodpecker, kingfisher, marbled white butterfly (summer), great green bush-cricket (summer–early autumn).