Little Wittenham Nature Reserve on the Northmoor Trust Estate
Little Wittenham Nature Reserve, best known for the prominence of the Wittenham Clumps, has been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The designation is a key measure to ensure the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, and together with all the UK sites, form a network across the European Union.
The designation further enhances Little Wittenham Nature Reserve’s conservation status with the site currently:
The nature reserve at Little Wittenham lies on two small hills overlooking the fertile Thames floodplain.
The reserve is approximately half woodland and half grassland. The reserve’s grassland areas are grazed with sheep and cattle.
The Reserve's two large ponds and the surrounding mature woodland habitat have been recognised due to the presence of the great crested newt, breeding dragonflies and other breeding amphibians.
This wildlife haven is already a major draw for visitors from across the region.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London and Newt enthusiast commenting on the news of the designation said, “Many congratulations to the Northmoor Trust for achieving European recognition of the important conservation work on Little Wittenham Nature Reserve. As an enthusiast for the Great Crested Newt, which is an endangered species, I am delighted that your work of protecting, enhancing and publicising this delightful animal and the wider reserve that supports it, has been recognised in this way.”
