Cothill NNR
The NNR includes a full transition from open water, short fen, through to oak/alder woodland.
County: Oxfordshire
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 2 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Cothill NNR is part of the much larger Cothill Fen Special Area of Conservation (SAC), one of the most species-rich lowland calcareous fen systems in the UK.
To view a map of this reserve, click here: (194kb)
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A large number of scarce invertebrates have been recorded here, including southern damselfly and Desmoulin's whorl snail.
Several uncommon plants typical of alkaline fen are found at the site, these include narrow-leaved marsh orchid, marsh helleborine, bog pimpernel, black bog-rush and marsh valerian.
Grass snakes and lizards can often be seen at the reserve and the reed beds provide cover for sedge warblers and reed warblers.
The best time to visit the site is between April and September.
Please note that the site is dangerous in places. Deep water, floating mats of vegetation and pools in the bog pose significant hazards.
Location and access
Cothill is 8 km south west of Oxford between the A338 and A34; 2 km south west of the B4017 and 0.5 km west of the village of Cothill. The nearest car park is on Honeybottom Lane at the entrance to the Dry Sandford Nature Reserve, 0.5 km to the east.
The nearest train station is in Radley, 6 km to the east, served by First Great Western.
The Oxford Bus Company runs a service from Radley along the B4017 to Oxford via Abingdon. Other local bus services are provided by Stagecoach Oxford.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
There are information boards at the site and a circular trail.
