Cothill National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Cothill NNR, near the village of Cothill, is one of the most species-rich lowland calcareous (chalk) fen systems in the UK. It forms part of the much larger Cothill Fen Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The reserve is best known for its fens and their rich invertebrate and insect life. But in addition the site also features areas of open water, extensive reedbeds and dense oak and alder woodland. A large number of rare invertebrates have been recorded here, including the southern damselfly and Desmoulin’s whorl snail. Several uncommon plants typical of alkaline fens are found on the reserve, and they include the narrow-leaved marsh orchid, marsh helleborine, bog pimpernel, black bog rush and marsh valerian. Grass snakes and lizards can often be seen basking on the boardwalks, and the dense reedbeds provide cover and breeding sites for birds such as reed warbler and sedge warbler.

Location

Cothill

About the area

Located at the heart of England, Oxfordshire enjoys a rich heritage and varied scenery, with Oxford’s elegant streets a highlight for visitors. The landscape encompasses open chalk downland, picturesque rivers and attractive villages, while northwest of Oxfordshire is home to the sleepy backwaters of Abingdon, Wallingford, Wantage, Watlington and Witney that reveal how Oxfordshire’s old towns evolved over the centuries.