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Once more unto the Breach: hedge-laying at Breach Community Wood

Once more unto the Breach: hedge-laying at Breach Community Wood

Once more unto the Breach: hedge-laying at Breach Community Wood

To protect nesting birds, the hedgelaying season runs from October to March. In 2020 our hedgelaying group finished their work at...

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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2025-28

To donate £5 to the Wychwood Forest Trust

text FOREST to 70580

We are planning to do one last volunteer session at Foxburrow on Thursday 11th December at 10am, to coppice the hazel stools to provide stakes and binders for the hedgelaying group.

Coppicing the hazel on rotation and actually using it on site or nearby for traditional management is very much in keeping with the original intentions for Foxburrow at its planting more than 15 years ago. This will be the first coppicing at the site.

Afterwards, probably around 12, there will be a Christmassy gathering with mince pies and hot drinks around the fire, to which everyone is invited - a chance for us to say a big thank you to all our dedicated WFT volunteers for their hard work this year.

If you would like to join us for the coppicing and/or the gathering, drop Maeve a line at maeve@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk

We are planning to do one last volunteer session at Foxburrow on Thursday 11th December at 10am, to coppice the hazel stools to provide stakes and binders for the hedgelaying group.

Coppicing the hazel on rotation and actually using it on site or nearby for traditional management is very much in keeping with the original intentions for Foxburrow at its planting more than 15 years ago. This will be the first coppicing at the site.

Afterwards, probably around 12, there will be a Christmassy gathering with mince pies and hot drinks around the fire, to which everyone is invited - a chance for us to say a big thank you to all our dedicated WFT volunteers for their hard work this year.

If you would like to join us for the coppicing and/or the gathering, drop Maeve a line at maeve@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk

Was a pleasure to see so many of our members and supporters on Saturday at the WFT AGM.

It was a fantastic day with everyone greatly enthused by Neil's presentation 'Reviving the Wychwood'. He introduced our new strategic priorities for the next 3 years which include strengthening support for our volunteers; promoting evidence, research and education; and creating stronger collaborations for mutual benefit.

We were also delighted to have Chloe Edwards as our keynote speaker. Chloe is Oxfordshire County Council's project manger for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. She gave a brilliant talk about OCC's coordinated strategy to create a more resilient and more connected network of nature across the county, which will help wildlife to flourish, improve the quality of our air and water, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Chloe explained how the plan has been put together and showed us the new interactive tools and map that will be publicly available to help direct and coordinate local nature recovery efforts.

A big thank you to Chloe and also to the brilliant team at FarmED who looked after us so well and provided a delicious lunch.

'Reviving the Wychwood: Strategic Priorities 2025-28' is available to view via the link in the footer of our website.

Was a pleasure to see so many of our members and supporters on Saturday at the WFT AGM.

It was a fantastic day with everyone greatly enthused by Neil's presentation 'Reviving the Wychwood'. He introduced our new strategic priorities for the next 3 years which include strengthening support for our volunteers; promoting evidence, research and education; and creating stronger collaborations for mutual benefit.

We were also delighted to have Chloe Edwards as our keynote speaker. Chloe is Oxfordshire County Council's project manger for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. She gave a brilliant talk about OCC's coordinated strategy to create a more resilient and more connected network of nature across the county, which will help wildlife to flourish, improve the quality of our air and water, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Chloe explained how the plan has been put together and showed us the new interactive tools and map that will be publicly available to help direct and coordinate local nature recovery efforts.

A big thank you to Chloe and also to the brilliant team at FarmED who looked after us so well and provided a delicious lunch.

'Reviving the Wychwood: Strategic Priorities 2025-28' is available to view via the link in the footer of our website.

A quick reminder that our Annual General Meeting will be held at FarmED this Saturday 1st November.

The address is Station Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, England, OX7 6BJ.

As well as the usual business, we will be hearing from our CEO, Neil Clennell about the highlights and achievements of the last year.

This will be followed by a talk by Chloe Edwards who is Oxfordshire County Council's LNRS Project Manager. Chloe will be telling us about preparing and delivering a targeted and resilient network for nature across the county.

A complimentary light buffet lunch will be provided, followed by an opportunity to take a short guided walk to look at the landscape features in the valley around FarmED in the context of opportunities for nature recovery.

It looks set to be a really fantastic day and everyone is welcome. Tickets are free, but in order to manage guest numbers, we are issuing tickets on a first come, first served basis.

There are still some available from our website - https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

A quick reminder that our Annual General Meeting will be held at FarmED this Saturday 1st November.

The address is Station Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, England, OX7 6BJ.

As well as the usual business, we will be hearing from our CEO, Neil Clennell about the highlights and achievements of the last year.

This will be followed by a talk by Chloe Edwards who is Oxfordshire County Council's LNRS Project Manager. Chloe will be telling us about preparing and delivering a targeted and resilient network for nature across the county.

A complimentary light buffet lunch will be provided, followed by an opportunity to take a short guided walk to look at the landscape features in the valley around FarmED in the context of opportunities for nature recovery.

It looks set to be a really fantastic day and everyone is welcome. Tickets are free, but in order to manage guest numbers, we are issuing tickets on a first come, first served basis.

There are still some available from our website - https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

We are still buzzing from the success of our second annual hedgelaying competition.

It was fantastic to see so many competitors returning, and to welcome some new faces.

Hedgelaying creates dense, multi-layered habitats that provide crucial food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife. Hedges also act as wildlife ‘corridors’, creating highways across the countryside, connecting different habitats, and allowing wildlife to move about.

Hedgelaying also encourages biodiversity by promoting the growth of flowering and fruiting plants, and established hedges store carbon, prevent soil erosion, and filter pollutants from the air and water.

So the hedgelaying competition is an important event in our calendar, a real celebration of this rural craft. Not only does it allow us to acknowledge the impressive skill of hedgelayers locally and further afield, it also means that a long expanse of hedge at Foxburrow nature reserve was laid in one day, and will continue to have a positive impact on nature for many years to come.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers and competitors for supporting our work in this way, and helping to restore traditional hedges in the Wychwood area.

For details of this year’s winners and photos of the day, go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025

See you next year!

We are still buzzing from the success of our second annual hedgelaying competition.

It was fantastic to see so many competitors returning, and to welcome some new faces.

Hedgelaying creates dense, multi-layered habitats that provide crucial food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife. Hedges also act as wildlife ‘corridors’, creating highways across the countryside, connecting different habitats, and allowing wildlife to move about.

Hedgelaying also encourages biodiversity by promoting the growth of flowering and fruiting plants, and established hedges store carbon, prevent soil erosion, and filter pollutants from the air and water.

So the hedgelaying competition is an important event in our calendar, a real celebration of this rural craft. Not only does it allow us to acknowledge the impressive skill of hedgelayers locally and further afield, it also means that a long expanse of hedge at Foxburrow nature reserve was laid in one day, and will continue to have a positive impact on nature for many years to come.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers and competitors for supporting our work in this way, and helping to restore traditional hedges in the Wychwood area.

For details of this year’s winners and photos of the day, go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025

See you next year!

A quick reminder that our Annual General Meeting will be held at FarmED on 1st November.

The address is Station Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, England, OX7 6BJ.

As well as the usual business, we will be hearing from our CEO, Neil Clennell about the highlights and achievements of the last year.

This will be followed by a talk by Chloe Edwards who is Oxfordshire County Council's LNRS Project Manager. Chloe will be telling us about preparing and delivering a targeted and resilient network for nature across the county.

A complimentary light buffet lunch will be provided, followed by an opportunity to take a short guided walk to look at the landscape features in the valley around FarmED in the context of opportunities for nature recovery.

It looks set to be a really fantastic day and everyone is welcome. Tickets are free, but in order to manage guest numbers, we are issuing tickets on a first come, first served basis.

There are still some available from our website - https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

A quick reminder that our Annual General Meeting will be held at FarmED on 1st November.

The address is Station Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, England, OX7 6BJ.

As well as the usual business, we will be hearing from our CEO, Neil Clennell about the highlights and achievements of the last year.

This will be followed by a talk by Chloe Edwards who is Oxfordshire County Council's LNRS Project Manager. Chloe will be telling us about preparing and delivering a targeted and resilient network for nature across the county.

A complimentary light buffet lunch will be provided, followed by an opportunity to take a short guided walk to look at the landscape features in the valley around FarmED in the context of opportunities for nature recovery.

It looks set to be a really fantastic day and everyone is welcome. Tickets are free, but in order to manage guest numbers, we are issuing tickets on a first come, first served basis.

There are still some available from our website - https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

WFT volunteers and the Cotswolds wardens have been busy coppicing Breach Wood in Hailey to harvest 500 stakes and binders ready for the annual WFT hedgelaying tournament on 11th October.

We can't wait! It is one of our favourite events of the year. We still have some spaces left, especially for the Beginners Pairs class, so do sign up if you are interested.

It's a small friendly competition, with free bacon butties and fruit cake for the competitors! As well as the traditional cutting fee and a great atmosphere obviously.

Head to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025 for more details and how to enter.

WFT volunteers and the Cotswolds wardens have been busy coppicing Breach Wood in Hailey to harvest 500 stakes and binders ready for the annual WFT hedgelaying tournament on 11th October.

We can't wait! It is one of our favourite events of the year. We still have some spaces left, especially for the Beginners Pairs class, so do sign up if you are interested.

It's a small friendly competition, with free bacon butties and fruit cake for the competitors! As well as the traditional cutting fee and a great atmosphere obviously.

Head to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025 for more details and how to enter.

Only two weeks left to go!

We are busy getting ready for one of the highlights of our year, the WFT Annual Hedgelaying Championship.

There's still a few places left in the tournament, so you can still sign up if you are interested - whether you are a complete beginner or an old hand.

Go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025 for more details.

Only two weeks left to go!

We are busy getting ready for one of the highlights of our year, the WFT Annual Hedgelaying Championship.

There's still a few places left in the tournament, so you can still sign up if you are interested - whether you are a complete beginner or an old hand.

Go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025 for more details.

If you are out and about near Charlbury tomorrow, do drop in and see us at the street fair.

WFT will be joining colleagues from other local environmental and wildlife-related groups on the nature recovery stall. There's so much going on to restore nature in our area, so do come and learn more about what we are all doing, and find out how you can get involved.

Picture is of a black hairstreak. One of our nature recovery highlights of the year is confirming the presence of these rare and elusive butterflies at Wigwell nature reserve in Charlbury. There is much to celebrate!

If you are out and about near Charlbury tomorrow, do drop in and see us at the street fair.

WFT will be joining colleagues from other local environmental and wildlife-related groups on the nature recovery stall. There's so much going on to restore nature in our area, so do come and learn more about what we are all doing, and find out how you can get involved.

Picture is of a black hairstreak. One of our nature recovery highlights of the year is confirming the presence of these rare and elusive butterflies at Wigwell nature reserve in Charlbury. There is much to celebrate!

Who fancies an evening walk?

Join WFT's CEO, ecologist Neil Clennell, tonight on a guided walk around Gibbets Close Hill, our exciting new nature reserve and habitat restoration project.

The site is not freely open to the public, so this is your chance to see it early in its rewilding journey and learn about the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss. You will also be able to see the results of our major wetland creation project completed last year.

It is also a great opportunity to enjoy a walk in the heart of the Cotswolds in this very special place, home to a wide variety of wildlife including bats, barn owls and some magnificent veteran oak trees, and with spectacular views from the top of the hill.

There will also be the opportunity to ask Neil questions about habitat restoration, natural regeneration or any other aspect of the rewilding process as you go around the site.

Book your spot at https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

Who fancies an evening walk?

Join WFT's CEO, ecologist Neil Clennell, tonight on a guided walk around Gibbets Close Hill, our exciting new nature reserve and habitat restoration project.

The site is not freely open to the public, so this is your chance to see it early in its rewilding journey and learn about the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss. You will also be able to see the results of our major wetland creation project completed last year.

It is also a great opportunity to enjoy a walk in the heart of the Cotswolds in this very special place, home to a wide variety of wildlife including bats, barn owls and some magnificent veteran oak trees, and with spectacular views from the top of the hill.

There will also be the opportunity to ask Neil questions about habitat restoration, natural regeneration or any other aspect of the rewilding process as you go around the site.

Book your spot at https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

Once again, WFT is on the radio!

Neil Clennell, WFT's CEO, will be talking to Nina for Science on the Radio, about the rewilding of Gibbets Hill and the wetland creation project we completed at the site last year.

Tune in on Saturday at 10am with the program repeated on Sunday at 6pm - for more details see https://www.wrfm.co.uk/on-air/podcasts/science-on-the-radio/

Once again, WFT is on the radio!

Neil Clennell, WFT's CEO, will be talking to Nina for Science on the Radio, about the rewilding of Gibbets Hill and the wetland creation project we completed at the site last year.

Tune in on Saturday at 10am with the program repeated on Sunday at 6pm - for more details see https://www.wrfm.co.uk/on-air/podcasts/science-on-the-radio/

We are excited to be holding the second WFT Annual Hedgelaying Championship on October 11th.

Last year was a fantastic success. Places filled up very quickly and we even had to turn competitors away. Hedgelayers came from all over Oxfordshire, as well as Surrey, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Devon!
We were struck by what a great atmosphere there was along the hedge - advice was freely given, tools were shared, and there was a general feeling of supportive and friendly competition. And of course, there were cups of tea, bacon rolls and fruit cake from our field kitchen for the competitors!

If you’d like to enter this year’s championship, go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025 for all the details.

See also https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/post/wft-hedgelaying-championship-2024 for a report on last year’s Hedgelaying Championship!

We are excited to be holding the second WFT Annual Hedgelaying Championship on October 11th.

Last year was a fantastic success. Places filled up very quickly and we even had to turn competitors away. Hedgelayers came from all over Oxfordshire, as well as Surrey, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Devon!
We were struck by what a great atmosphere there was along the hedge - advice was freely given, tools were shared, and there was a general feeling of supportive and friendly competition. And of course, there were cups of tea, bacon rolls and fruit cake from our field kitchen for the competitors!

If you’d like to enter this year’s championship, go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/hedgelaying-championship-2025 for all the details.

See also https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/post/wft-hedgelaying-championship-2024 for a report on last year’s Hedgelaying Championship!

How many men does it take to dig a hole?

Judging by the work party at Wigwell this week, the answer depends on how many biscuits they've had.

A huge thank you to Simon for leading the gang and to everyone who helped including Cristina, Peter, Peter, Jeremy, Hugh, Gerry and Chris. The new fencing beside our reptile habitat will be finished next week - as long as the supply of biscuits doesn't dry up!

How many men does it take to dig a hole?

Judging by the work party at Wigwell this week, the answer depends on how many biscuits they've had.

A huge thank you to Simon for leading the gang and to everyone who helped including Cristina, Peter, Peter, Jeremy, Hugh, Gerry and Chris. The new fencing beside our reptile habitat will be finished next week - as long as the supply of biscuits doesn't dry up!

A big thank you to volunteers from the Wigwell Friends - Peter, Peter, Sophia, Tony and Frances - who were out last week working on the reptile habitat along the eastern section of the site.

Wigwell is home to grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms. A combination of basking glades, stone piles and thick vegetation areas is ideal reptile habitat.

If you'd like to help on our sites with habitat creation and other conservation activities, register as a volunteer with WFT at https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/get-involved

A big thank you to volunteers from the Wigwell Friends - Peter, Peter, Sophia, Tony and Frances - who were out last week working on the reptile habitat along the eastern section of the site.

Wigwell is home to grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms. A combination of basking glades, stone piles and thick vegetation areas is ideal reptile habitat.

If you'd like to help on our sites with habitat creation and other conservation activities, register as a volunteer with WFT at https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/get-involved

It was a beautiful day at Gibbets yesterday in the sunshine.

Come and join us for a guided walk around this special site and find out more about its rewilding journey, and the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss, in partnership with Oxford University.

You will also be able to see the results of our major wetland creation project completed last year.

New dates available in July. Book your ticket at https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list. Clickable link in bio.

It was a beautiful day at Gibbets yesterday in the sunshine.

Come and join us for a guided walk around this special site and find out more about its rewilding journey, and the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss, in partnership with Oxford University.

You will also be able to see the results of our major wetland creation project completed last year.

New dates available in July. Book your ticket at https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list. Clickable link in bio.

Join WFT's CEO, ecologist Neil Clennell, on a guided walk around Gibbets Close Hill, our exciting new nature reserve and habitat restoration project.

The site is not freely open to the public, so this is your chance to see it early in its rewilding journey and learn about the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss. You will also be able to see the results of our major wetland creation project completed last year.

It is also a great opportunity to enjoy a walk in the heart of the Cotswolds in this very special place, home to a wide variety of wildlife including bats, barn owls and some magnificent veteran oak trees, and with spectacular views from the top of the hill.

There will also be the opportunity to ask Neil questions about habitat restoration, natural regeneration or any other aspect of the rewilding process as you go around the site.

New dates for July now available to book. Tickets from https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list or clickable link in bio.

Join WFT's CEO, ecologist Neil Clennell, on a guided walk around Gibbets Close Hill, our exciting new nature reserve and habitat restoration project.

The site is not freely open to the public, so this is your chance to see it early in its rewilding journey and learn about the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss. You will also be able to see the results of our major wetland creation project completed last year.

It is also a great opportunity to enjoy a walk in the heart of the Cotswolds in this very special place, home to a wide variety of wildlife including bats, barn owls and some magnificent veteran oak trees, and with spectacular views from the top of the hill.

There will also be the opportunity to ask Neil questions about habitat restoration, natural regeneration or any other aspect of the rewilding process as you go around the site.

New dates for July now available to book. Tickets from https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list or clickable link in bio.

A big thank you to Simon, Mark, Sheena and Bridget for helping to construct the new tool storage cage at Foxburrow this morning. Great job!

Don't worry, we did let Sheena out after a while when she promised to behave.

And welcome to the gang Bridget!

A big thank you to Simon, Mark, Sheena and Bridget for helping to construct the new tool storage cage at Foxburrow this morning. Great job!

Don't worry, we did let Sheena out after a while when she promised to behave.

And welcome to the gang Bridget!

It was a beautiful day at Wigwell for the work party this month.

Our two Peters, Mark, Jeremy and Tony worked to contain encroaching blackthorn away from the most sensitive meadow areas and to liberate the wonderful dog rose bushes. Thank you all!

If you are in Charlbury this weekend, Wigwell nature reserve is well worth a visit. The wildflowers are out. You can spot meadow clary, birdsfoot trefoil, salad burnet, meadow cranesbill, agrimony and ladies bedstraw in the meadow.

And the butterflies too - common blues, speckled wood, small tortoiseshell and the rare black hairstreak.

It's a wonderful way to while away a couple of hours ...

Have a good weekend folks!

It was a beautiful day at Wigwell for the work party this month.

Our two Peters, Mark, Jeremy and Tony worked to contain encroaching blackthorn away from the most sensitive meadow areas and to liberate the wonderful dog rose bushes. Thank you all!

If you are in Charlbury this weekend, Wigwell nature reserve is well worth a visit. The wildflowers are out. You can spot meadow clary, birdsfoot trefoil, salad burnet, meadow cranesbill, agrimony and ladies bedstraw in the meadow.

And the butterflies too - common blues, speckled wood, small tortoiseshell and the rare black hairstreak.

It's a wonderful way to while away a couple of hours ...

Have a good weekend folks!

So exciting to hear from one of our brilliant volunteers that another black hairstreak butterfly was seen at Wigwell nature reserve on Friday.

Well spotted Ellie Reid, and thank you for the lovely photograph! Second year on the trot!!

This rare and elusive butterfly is only found in a small area of the UK, about 50 sites along a line of heavy clays between Oxford in the south-west and Peterborough in the north-east. It lays its eggs on blackthorn which is the main foodplant. The adult butterflies do not fly far, so the entire colony often remains confined to one area of woodland.

We’ve been going a bit easier on our blackthorn in the last few years. Is it a coincidence? We don't think so.

So exciting to hear from one of our brilliant volunteers that another black hairstreak butterfly was seen at Wigwell nature reserve on Friday.

Well spotted Ellie Reid, and thank you for the lovely photograph! Second year on the trot!!

This rare and elusive butterfly is only found in a small area of the UK, about 50 sites along a line of heavy clays between Oxford in the south-west and Peterborough in the north-east. It lays its eggs on blackthorn which is the main foodplant. The adult butterflies do not fly far, so the entire colony often remains confined to one area of woodland.

We’ve been going a bit easier on our blackthorn in the last few years. Is it a coincidence? We don't think so.

We have just been informed that this event tomorrow at FarmED is now sold out.

Unfortunately, there is no longer an option to pay on arrival, so please don't turn up unless you have previously bought tickets!

We have just been informed that this event tomorrow at FarmED is now sold out.

Unfortunately, there is no longer an option to pay on arrival, so please don't turn up unless you have previously bought tickets!

We've still got a few places left on our guided walk around Gibbets Hill nature reserve on Sunday 8th June from 2-4pm - led by WFT CEO and ecologist Neil Clennell.

Come and explore our rewilding and research site near Witney, a beautiful corner of the Cotswolds. See how nature is slowly recovering across 50 acres of previously degraded agricultural land.

At the moment the site is not freely open to the public, so this is your chance to see it early in its rewilding journey and learn about the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss. You will also be able to see the pond complex created last year, providing new wetland habitats.

For more info and to book your place, go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

We've still got a few places left on our guided walk around Gibbets Hill nature reserve on Sunday 8th June from 2-4pm - led by WFT CEO and ecologist Neil Clennell.

Come and explore our rewilding and research site near Witney, a beautiful corner of the Cotswolds. See how nature is slowly recovering across 50 acres of previously degraded agricultural land.

At the moment the site is not freely open to the public, so this is your chance to see it early in its rewilding journey and learn about the cutting-edge ecological research being done here to combat biodiversity loss. You will also be able to see the pond complex created last year, providing new wetland habitats.

For more info and to book your place, go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

It was a beautiful morning today at Wigwell nature reserve in Charlbury.

The Wigwell Friends volunteers were out in force doing various jobs, including some strategic scrub management on the site.

Louise, our Salvia Guardian, was counting the Meadow Clary (Salvia pratensis) plants in the cages.

If you haven't been to Wigwell, it is well worth a visit. Wigwell's seven hectares of unimproved limestone grassland have been managed for wildlife since 1994. In summer months, its steeply sloping meadows become a riot of colourful wildflowers, including birds-foot-trefoil, lady’s bedstraw and the nationally scarce meadow clary, found at just 20 other sites across the UK. In terms of ecological value, Wigwell's grasslands are of county-level importance and Wigwell is a designated Local Wildlife Site

A stream runs through the reserve, and in the marshy ground beside the water you will spot plants such as marsh marigold and ragged robin.

It's a real hidden gem in the middle of Charlbury, a thriving market town. A dedicated volunteer group, the Wigwell Friends, help us look after this glorious nature reserve. If you would like to find out more about the reserve or joining our volunteers, email us at info@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk.

It was a beautiful morning today at Wigwell nature reserve in Charlbury.

The Wigwell Friends volunteers were out in force doing various jobs, including some strategic scrub management on the site.

Louise, our Salvia Guardian, was counting the Meadow Clary (Salvia pratensis) plants in the cages.

If you haven't been to Wigwell, it is well worth a visit. Wigwell's seven hectares of unimproved limestone grassland have been managed for wildlife since 1994. In summer months, its steeply sloping meadows become a riot of colourful wildflowers, including birds-foot-trefoil, lady’s bedstraw and the nationally scarce meadow clary, found at just 20 other sites across the UK. In terms of ecological value, Wigwell's grasslands are of county-level importance and Wigwell is a designated Local Wildlife Site

A stream runs through the reserve, and in the marshy ground beside the water you will spot plants such as marsh marigold and ragged robin.

It's a real hidden gem in the middle of Charlbury, a thriving market town. A dedicated volunteer group, the Wigwell Friends, help us look after this glorious nature reserve. If you would like to find out more about the reserve or joining our volunteers, email us at info@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk.

We've got new dates in June available for our guided walk at Gibbets Hill nature reserve near Witney.

Come and learn about this fascinating place and find out more about the exciting rewilding and research projects underway. See the new impressive wetland habitats created last year, and hear about plans for a carrion sky table!

This is nature conservation and habitat restoration at the experimental edge. Our approach might be a little bit different, but our results speak for themselves.

To book your spot, go to the What's On page on our website. (Clickable link in bio)

https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

We've got new dates in June available for our guided walk at Gibbets Hill nature reserve near Witney.

Come and learn about this fascinating place and find out more about the exciting rewilding and research projects underway. See the new impressive wetland habitats created last year, and hear about plans for a carrion sky table!

This is nature conservation and habitat restoration at the experimental edge. Our approach might be a little bit different, but our results speak for themselves.

To book your spot, go to the What's On page on our website. (Clickable link in bio)

https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list

Big thank you to the Wilderness Festival team for their grant from the Local Bursary, to help with the conservation work we are doing at Wigwell nature reserve in Charlbury.

Thank you guys - and looking forward to seeing you in August!

Big thank you to the Wilderness Festival team for their grant from the Local Bursary, to help with the conservation work we are doing at Wigwell nature reserve in Charlbury.

Thank you guys - and looking forward to seeing you in August!

Earlier this week, we were invited to visit Southill Solar Farm on the edge of Charlbury.

This community-owned solar farm has been in operation since 2016, and generates enough green electricity for 1,100 homes - most of the homes in Charlbury, Finstock & Fawler.

Profits from surpluses generated by the solar farm are used to support local low-carbon initiatives in the community– reducing energy use from buildings, food, transport and consumption and educating the community along the way.

Thank you to Anne Miller for showing us around. It was such an inspiring visit. Fantastic to see how you are managing the land for biodiversity as well - it was special to see the skylarks and the hares enjoying the spring sunshine!

Earlier this week, we were invited to visit Southill Solar Farm on the edge of Charlbury.

This community-owned solar farm has been in operation since 2016, and generates enough green electricity for 1,100 homes - most of the homes in Charlbury, Finstock & Fawler.

Profits from surpluses generated by the solar farm are used to support local low-carbon initiatives in the community– reducing energy use from buildings, food, transport and consumption and educating the community along the way.

Thank you to Anne Miller for showing us around. It was such an inspiring visit. Fantastic to see how you are managing the land for biodiversity as well - it was special to see the skylarks and the hares enjoying the spring sunshine!

A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Simon, Mark, Sheena and Jackie who put the new signage in the ground at Foxburrow Wood today. It looks fantastic - thanks everyone.

When people enter the site from the front entrance or from Milking Lane, they can now see the newly designed information boards telling them a little about the history of the site and the species to look out for.

We'll be rolling out new signage to all our sites over the next 12 months. Big thank you to the volunteers for helping with this important task!

If you'd like to get involved, contact volunteers@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk.

A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Simon, Mark, Sheena and Jackie who put the new signage in the ground at Foxburrow Wood today. It looks fantastic - thanks everyone.

When people enter the site from the front entrance or from Milking Lane, they can now see the newly designed information boards telling them a little about the history of the site and the species to look out for.

We'll be rolling out new signage to all our sites over the next 12 months. Big thank you to the volunteers for helping with this important task!

If you'd like to get involved, contact volunteers@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk.

The first WFT volunteer work party of 2025 took place at Foxburrow on Monday. The fab team, led by our new volunteer co-ordinator Simon, have done a fantastic job preparing the ground ready for the digger to dig a trench for the new dry stone wall.

Thanks everyone! Great job.

The next work party will be on Thursday to put up the new signage at Foxburrow. Contact volunteers@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk to get involved.

The first WFT volunteer work party of 2025 took place at Foxburrow on Monday. The fab team, led by our new volunteer co-ordinator Simon, have done a fantastic job preparing the ground ready for the digger to dig a trench for the new dry stone wall.

Thanks everyone! Great job.

The next work party will be on Thursday to put up the new signage at Foxburrow. Contact volunteers@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk to get involved.

We took a group of Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens on a guided tour of Gibbets Hill in the glorious sunshine this morning.

It was so exciting to find the first frogspawn and tadpoles in four of the ponds and toadspawn in another! We've been holding our breath and crossing our fingers and they've arrived - just eight months after the wetland creation project was completed.

The Wardens seem to enjoy the walk as well!

There's always something new to see at Gibbets Hill. We've got new guided walks on our website now - go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list to book your spot.

We took a group of Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens on a guided tour of Gibbets Hill in the glorious sunshine this morning.

It was so exciting to find the first frogspawn and tadpoles in four of the ponds and toadspawn in another! We've been holding our breath and crossing our fingers and they've arrived - just eight months after the wetland creation project was completed.

The Wardens seem to enjoy the walk as well!

There's always something new to see at Gibbets Hill. We've got new guided walks on our website now - go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/event-list to book your spot.

We had a good gathering at Foxburrow this morning with volunteers, old and new, despite the cold.

The first hurdle was lighting the fire - thank you for all the assistance (one paperbag and one tissue) everyone!

Thank you to Roger, Stuart, Simon and Peter who spoke about the different volunteer groups they lead - walling, hedgelaying, work parties and Wigwell Friends. We all agreed that good cake is a necessary part of the volunteer experience!

Neil explained a bit about our vision for the future of Foxburrow and some of the other reserves, the things we can do to encourage biodiversity, and how the volunteers are an integral and much-valued part of our approach.

Thank you all for coming, and for helping to make the tea with the temperamental Kelly kettle.

We will be in touch with all our volunteers very soon with next steps. Hopefully, next time we meet, the sun will be shining and the day will definitely be warmer!

If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer to work on our nature reserves, or with one of our specialist groups learning rural skills, head over to our website for more information and to register: https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/get-involved

We had a good gathering at Foxburrow this morning with volunteers, old and new, despite the cold.

The first hurdle was lighting the fire - thank you for all the assistance (one paperbag and one tissue) everyone!

Thank you to Roger, Stuart, Simon and Peter who spoke about the different volunteer groups they lead - walling, hedgelaying, work parties and Wigwell Friends. We all agreed that good cake is a necessary part of the volunteer experience!

Neil explained a bit about our vision for the future of Foxburrow and some of the other reserves, the things we can do to encourage biodiversity, and how the volunteers are an integral and much-valued part of our approach.

Thank you all for coming, and for helping to make the tea with the temperamental Kelly kettle.

We will be in touch with all our volunteers very soon with next steps. Hopefully, next time we meet, the sun will be shining and the day will definitely be warmer!

If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer to work on our nature reserves, or with one of our specialist groups learning rural skills, head over to our website for more information and to register: https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/get-involved

Here's the dream team, Neil, Roger, Simon and Stuart. What these guys don't know about habitat restoration, countryside management and rural skills is not worth knowing.

We were at Foxburrow this morning, doing a recce before we decide on the tasks for the next few work parties when they start up again in a few weeks.

We are looking forward to Thursday when we will meet with volunteers at the outdoor education area at Foxburrow at 11.30am. Everyone and anyone interested in volunteering is welcome - we'll get the field kettle on the campfire for a brew up, and there will be biscuits.

It will be a chance to hear this team of experts talk about what needs to be done on the reserves in our regular work parties, and about joining the walling group or the hedgelaying group - as well as many other volunteering opportunities we've got coming up.

Drop us email if you are coming on Thursday, so we know how many chocolate hobnobs to bring.

See you then!

volunteers@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk

Here's the dream team, Neil, Roger, Simon and Stuart. What these guys don't know about habitat restoration, countryside management and rural skills is not worth knowing.

We were at Foxburrow this morning, doing a recce before we decide on the tasks for the next few work parties when they start up again in a few weeks.

We are looking forward to Thursday when we will meet with volunteers at the outdoor education area at Foxburrow at 11.30am. Everyone and anyone interested in volunteering is welcome - we'll get the field kettle on the campfire for a brew up, and there will be biscuits.

It will be a chance to hear this team of experts talk about what needs to be done on the reserves in our regular work parties, and about joining the walling group or the hedgelaying group - as well as many other volunteering opportunities we've got coming up.

Drop us email if you are coming on Thursday, so we know how many chocolate hobnobs to bring.

See you then!

volunteers@wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk

Great photo of frog spawn at Singe Wood, sent in by Flora Gregory.

In a couple of weeks the tadpoles will emerge, and then slowly metamorphose into frogs over the following three months or so.

Spring is just around the corner!

Great photo of frog spawn at Singe Wood, sent in by Flora Gregory.

In a couple of weeks the tadpoles will emerge, and then slowly metamorphose into frogs over the following three months or so.

Spring is just around the corner!

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Wychwood Forest Trust, Woodgreen, New Yatt Road, Witney, OX28 1NB / Registered charity no. 1084259

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