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Withymead Nature Reserve

Withymead Nature Reserve covers 22 acres and is bordered by the river Thames on one side and the Ridgeway Path on the other. Withymead contains woodland, marshland and the relics of an old boatyard, much of which has remained untouched for many years.

Withymead Nature Reserve is a haven for both indigenous and migratory species. With open farmland to the north, the River Thames bordering the south and the reed beds and deciduous woodland at the reserve, a wide variety of birds visit or breed at the reserve. 

Withymead Nature Reserve is managed by the Anne Carpmael Charitable Trust. With a resident warden, the trustees aim to provide a tranquil haven for wildlife and inspiration to visitors now and for future generations. 

Wildlife highlights: The wardens encourage familiar woodland and garden birds, such as blackbirds, thrushes, robins, members of the tit family and chaffinch, with feeding stations near the house. Buzzards and red kite glide overhead and in the reed beds coots and moorhens nest and rear their young. By the river kingfishers can occasionally be spotted and swans bring their young into the grounds to feed.

In the woods the distant tapping of a woodpecker can often be heard. The great spotted and green woodpecker nest on the reserve and at night barn owls and tawny owls call through the trees. Winter visitors include redpoll and brambling. During the summer months migrants nest in the reed beds and include sedge warbler, reed warbler, reed bunting. Redstart and nightingale have been seen as passing migrants.

Grass cuttings, covered in corrugated iron provide shelter and nesting material for grass snakes and slow worms. There is a wide range of butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and other invertebrates to be seen. 

Location: Withymead Nature Reserve is situated between Goring-on-Thames and South Stoke in Oxfordshire. From Goring, take the B4009 towards Wallingford for 1¼ miles, turn left at the sign for the Leatherne Bottel/Goring Sailing Club. Follow the lane over the railway bridge and turn sharp right onto the road marked ‘Private'. Follow the lane for ¼ mile. Withymead stands in the trees on the left with the car park on the right.

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