June 2007 Rose Ceremony at Little Wittenham
On Thursday 21st June a red rose was presented by the Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council at a mid-Summer ceremony in honour of an agreement allowing public access to the Wittenham Clumps and Little Wittenham Nature Reserve.
At the same event, new boards and a leaflet explaining the landscape to the public was officially unveiled.
Sir Martin & Lady Wood, the patrons and founders of the Northmoor Trust, and Robin Buxton, the first warden of the nature reserve, also attended the event.
(left to right: South Oxfordshire Chairman, Liz Brighouse, Harry Barton, Sir Martin Wood, John Harwood and Lady Wood. South Oxfordshire Chairman, Liz Brighouse, Harry Barton, Sir Martin Wood, John Harwood and Lady Wood.)
Since 1982 the Northmoor Trust has actively managed the landscape, which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, on account of its grassland, its breeding amphibians - including the protected great crested newt - and an Iron Age hilltop fort.
What is the County Council connection?
The reserve itself is owned by The Northmoor Trust, but the car park giving public access to the woods, pastureland and two round hills known as the Wittenham Clumps is leased to it by Oxfordshire County Council.
The annual presentation of the Wittenham Rose to The Northmoor Trust recognises that agreement.
Harry Barton, Chief Executive of the Northmoor Trust, said: "The Rose Ceremony is a very important event in the Northmoor Trust calendar and this year has an extra special significance as we celebrate the inspiration of Sir Martin & Lady Wood in protecting this beautiful and wildlife rich landscape.
"We continue to work closely with Oxfordshire County Council to improve access for visitors - so if you have not been to the Wittenham Clumps before then do come and explore!"
Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council Councillor, Liz Brighouse, said: "This is a beautiful ceremony that has become a tradition much loved by everyone who takes part. The council is delighted that it can help give people access to this lovely bit of countryside. I am particularly pleased that Sir Martin Wood, who has contributed so much to the county, will receive the rose."
