Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve
Chimney Meadows is the largest nature reserve of the BBOWT (Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust) . The site totals 250 hectares of wildlife rich land along the banks of the River Thames. This vast and tranquil area of fields, pastures and nationally acclaimed wildflower meadows is a vital refuge for wading birds.
The reserve is of national importance for its species-rich wetland meadows that support large
numbers of now scarce ground-nesting birds, and provides a haven for curlew, snipe and reed bunting.
The smaller south-western section of Chimney Meadows is a National Nature Reserve, owned by English Nature and managed by BBOWT since 1999. Only 1,500 ha of this type of floodplain meadow survives in the UK. Vistas of elegant plants including meadow foxtail, adder’s-tongue fern and green-winged orchid, along with butterflies and birds can be enjoyed from the raised Thames National Trail path that runs alongside.
The larger section of Chimney Meadows (200 ha, with some public access), is owned by BOWT. The area comprises old hay meadows, wet grassland and woodland, ancient water meadows and ex-arable land under reversion to flower-rich meadows. The fields are steeped in history, with findings of Roman pottery, an extensive Anglo-Saxon burial ground and relics of medieval ‘ridge and furrow’ ploughing. Threaded through with 14 km of old waterways and 17 km of hedgerows, the reserve also has a number of ponds and patches of scrub.
Future Plans
Plans are afoot to create a series of ponds and wading bird scrapes through late summer into early autumn. Additionally, the creation of small water channels will allow water to move down to the newly developing wetland area in front of the large hide and will hopefully entice more wading birds like little egrets.
How to find Chimney Meadows:
9 miles west of Abingdon on the Buckland to Bampton road. Follow signage to Chimney hamlet. Park at entrance to the reserve in designated car park only.
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