Nature Reserves

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Boundary Brook, OxfordWebsiteStreet MapGoogle MapPhotos

Boundary Brook
Managed by:Oxford Urban Wildlife Group
OS grid reference:SP 532 047
Nearest postcode:OX4 4AW
Usual work:Woodland management, scrub clearance, tree planting

Boundary Brook Nature Park is a valuable 3-acre nature reserve in the built-up outskirts of Oxford. In 1990 Oxford Urban Wildlife Group converted the derelict site that was used for allotments until the 1970s into a nature reserve. The site continues to grow as more allotments fall out of use. The rich mosaic of habitats at the site includes marshland, hay meadow, cornfield, a large pond and native woodland. There are also demonstration wildlife and kitchen gardens at the site. The reserve provides breathing space for city dwellers, whilst also providing an excellent resource for children to learn about the environment and for people to acquire skills in conservation and wildlife management.

Flora and Fauna

Native flora found in the meadow fringes and woodland include aconites, wild daffodils, wood anemones, pignuts, violets, primroses, lilies of the valley, celandines and fritillaries. The woodland contains a diverse range of native trees, including a hazel coppice, whilst the ponds provide important habitat for a variety of wetland species.

Conservation Management

There are regular work parties of volunteers at Boundary Brook Nature Park who maintain the habitats by doing vital work such as planting native flora, seeding the cornfield, adding drainage ditches, clearing the pond and scrub clearance. OCV have assisted Oxford Urban Wildlife Group to protect and manage this important habitat for many years. Tasks that OCV have been involved in at this site include planting of native flora and trees, hedgelaying, scrub clearance, and coppicing, trimming and pruning some of the diverse range of trees and shrubs that thrive here. These are important tasks in order to maintain a diverse range of habitats at the reserve. OCV have also replaced gates and repaired paths at the Boundary Brook reserve in provide easy access through the boundaries and footpaths of the reserve. Work has also been done by OCV to clear invasive reeds and rushes from the large pond in order to increase biodiversity.

Location

Go down Iffley Road away from the Plain, passing the university sports ground. When you reach the traffic lights with the turn to Donnington Bridge on your right, turn left and head towards a primary school that is straight ahead. Boundary Brook Nature Park is behind the school, hidden behind a hedge and wire fence with a single gate and an information board to mark the entrance.