About the reserve

Wildlife margins

At Wells Farm the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust is striking a balance between farming wheat and barley and creating a thriving habitat for wildlife. The open fields are edged by six-metre wide margins that have been sown with a colourful wildflower seed mixture which attract insects and small mammals. In addition, a wide grassy bank crossing the arable fields from north to south has been sown with a variety of tufted grasses to provide cover for spiders and beetles. These in turn help to control pests. Retained winter stubble and seed-bearing crops provide food and shelter for mixed flocks of finches in the colder months.

Natural springs

The farm is named after the numerous springs emerging on the valley side. In the valley bottom, a wildflower meadow has been created, and a small tree-lined brook links two ponds, attracting a wide range of wildlife such as frogs, toads, chaffinches, coots and dragonflies. A community allotment project is also underway where local people are being encouraged to grow their own organic produce and live in a more sustainable way by reducing their food miles. 

Things to do

Follow the wildlife walk at this nature reserve (0.5 miles) Join the BBOWT community allotment project, contact 01865 775476 and speak to the Oxfordshire Reserves Team for details.