Little Wittenham Nature Reserve
Little Wittenham Nature Reserve has one of the largest breeding population of Great Crested Newts in Britain, as well as many other breeding amphibians and dragonflies.
The Reserve has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and selected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats and Species Directive (HSD).
The reserve lies on two small hills overlooking the river Thames 10 miles south of Oxford. It is a well-known local landmark and is open to visitors at all times. It covers 101 hectares (250 acres) and is roughly half woodland and half grassland. The underlying geology gives rise to a number of springs that feed streams and ponds scattered across the reserve.
There is a long history of human activity on site, and much has been improved in the past for forestry and agricultural purposes. However, in addition to the amphibian and dragonfly interest, the reserve also supports many nationally uncommon invertebrates and plants associated with wetland, woodland and grassland habitats. As increasing pressure is put on the countryside for intensive farming, forestry and housing such habitats are becoming increasingly rare.
Since 1982 the site has been owned and managed by the Northmoor Trust as a nature reserve.The Trust also owns and manages Clifton Meadow a 9.5 hectare riverside meadow some three kilometres upstream of Little Wittenham Nature Reserve.
For more information of Little Wittenham Nature Reserve's Great Crested Newts click here
