Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Aston Rowant NNR’s diverse downland habitats on the northwestern scarp of the Chiltern Hills support a variety of plant, insect and bird life. The meadows support herbs such as thyme, basil and marjoram which are the food plants for a kaleidoscope of butterflies including the site’s speciality, silver-spotted skipper, the chalk hill blue and the marbled white. A total of 30 different species of butterfly have been recorded on the reserve, including dingy and grizzled skippers. The reserve’s diverse habitats also support a variety of birdlife including large flocks of finches and winter visitors such as the fieldfare and redwing. Wheatear, whitethroat and blackcap are among the summer visitors recorded here, while the graceful red kite can often be seen soaring on the thermals overhead. Rarer avian visitors to the reserve include ring ouzel, firecrest, hobby and raven, and other birds to look out for include the brightly coloured bullfinch, yellowhammer and the green woodpecker.

Location

Lewknor

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.