Woodsides Meadow

A survivor from days gone by, Woodsides Meadow is part of a complex of rich wildflower meadows with more than 100 plant species.

Location

4 miles north-east of Islip,
4 miles south of Bicester

Oxfordshire

OX25 2PT

OS Map Reference

SP 556 177

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Know before you go

Size

4 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

Park on roadside in Wendlebury village (OX25 2PT) and walk 1/4 mile south-west along Oxford Road, then take public footpath/bridleway south of village for 1/2 mile. There is no access to this reserve from Charlton-on-Otmoor.

Grazing animals

Yes

Access

Flat; rough ground, no paths; gate

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to August

About the reserve

Unimproved grassland

Woodsides Meadow is part of the internationally important Wendlebury Meads and Mansmoor Close SSSI, one of the largest continuous complexes of rich wildflower meadows.

Here, there are still the medieval 'ridge and furrow' plough marks, testifying to the fact that the site has never been 'improved' by modern farming. Swathes of wild flowers appear in profusion each year, with over 100 plant species recorded, including pepper-saxifrage, betony and sneezewort. Green-winged orchid can be seen in spring on the drier ridges, while the damper conditions in the furrows support moisture-loving cuckooflower and ragged-robin.

Birds and butterflies

Several species of butterflies may be seen, such as orange-tip, marbled white and white-letter hairstreak. Skylarks are seen regularly, and sightings of brown hare are common.