Glyme Valley

Glyme Valley

Jim Asher

Set on a south-facing slope running down to the River Glyme, this reserve is a remaining fragment of limestone grassland in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

Location

Chipping Norton
Oxfordshire
OX7 5QQ

OS Map Reference

SP 334 260

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A static map of Glyme Valley

Know before you go

Size
3 hectares
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

One mile east of Chipping Norton on A44 park in layby on left; walk down footpath for 1 mile, passing New Chalford Farm; reserve is just before river at bottom of valley. A map is recommended since this reserve can be difficult to find initially.

Grazing animals

Yes

Access

Steep slope, rough ground; stile.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to August

About the reserve

A secluded valley

Although relatively small in size, this reserve has a rich variety of wildlife. Look out for the parasitic yellow rattle - an indicator of old grassland untouched by chemicals or ploughing. This annual, which lives on grass roots, is named after the sound of its large seeds rattling inside the ripe seed pod. There are also several large anthills - another pointer to undisturbed grassland. The variety of wild flowers include oxeye daisy, fairy flax, bee orchid and meadow crane's-bill.

Scrub for birds

The reserve also features scatterings of small hawthorn bushes that merge into denser scrub as well as two corners of mainly ash woodland. The southern stretch of scrub, which includes sloping grassy glades, provides excellent habitat for birds, including blackcap, bullfinch and yellowhammer. 

Contact us

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Contact number: 01865 775476
Contact email: info@bbowt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)