Nature Reserves

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Langdon Wood, Aston UpthorpeStreet MapGoogle MapPhotos

A relatively new site for OCV just to the east of Grim's Ditch on the approaches to the Aston Upthorpe Downs south of Blewbury. The wood is a designated SSSI and is mostly mature hazel on the west facing slope of Langdon Hill. The landowner has a grant from Natural England to manage the site and we coppice a discrete area as part of an ongoing management plan.

Conservation Management

Most of the conservation carried out at the site is coppicing. Its purpose is to ensure the continued rejuvenation of the woodland using traditional techniques that have been used for hundreds of years. Coppicing allows light to reach the woodland floor and prolongs the life of the trees.

Directions

Leave Oxford on the A34 heading South. Leave the A34 at the Chilton/Harwell exit and take the minor road in the direction of West Hagbourne. Take the first right to Upton and turn right onto the A417. Continue through Blewbury and pass Blewburton Hill fort on your left. At the next junction (1.75 kms after leaving Blewbury) turn right onto a hardtop track directly opposite the minor road (Spring Lane) to Aston Upthorpe. Follow this track South for approximately 1 km to a large barn like structure. Park here, on the hard standing. To reach the wood, walk down the right fork along the valley bottom and follow the track to the turn-off to the Gamekeeper's Cottage. Langdon Wood covers the West facing slope of Langdon Hill which is ahead of you to your left.