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Welcome to
Withymead Nature Reserve
Withymead Nature Reserve is situated between Goring-on-Thames and South Stoke in Oxfordshire and is a hidden gem that appeals to naturalists, walkers, artists and families.
The Nature Reserve is open
by prior arrangement - either email or phone the Wardens:
info@withymead.org
01491 872265
Announcements...
(Follow links to view)
Withymead Study Centre Available For Hire: Contact the Wardens for information. August Newsletter
Open Days...
The Reserve is open 2-5pm on the last Sunday of the month 29th April to 26th August.
Come and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Reserve and then a cream tea served in the Visitor Centre.
Withymead Nature Reserve
Withymead Nature Reserve, Little Meadow Nature Reserve and Tara's Piece are owned and managed by the Anne Carpmael Charitable Trust.
Anne Carpmael
Anne Carpmael lived at Withymead for nearly 60 years. A keen naturalist, she provided a habitat that encouraged birds, both native and migratory. Prior to her death in 2003 a Charitable Trust (No 1102152) was formed to preserve the house and it’s riverside land. These 13 acres now form the Withymead Nature Reserve. For more information about Anne Carpmael and the foundation of the trust, click on this link
Little Meadow and Tara's Piece
In addition to the Withymead Nature Reserve the Anne Carpmael Charitable Trust also runs two smaller nature reserves in the local area: Little Meadow Nature Reserve, a mile to the south of Goring on the River Thames, and Tara's Piece, also bordering the river, which lies a 50m to the south of Withymead. Click on the following links to see more information on these reserves:
We aim to boost local wildlife directly, with practical nature conservation; and indirectly, by inspiring people to enjoy nature and join in our quest to protect it.
We have a Study Centre (see panel on the right) in which we run events and training courses for the public, and there is also a special area of the reserve set aside for the Withymead Forest School. For more information about the Forest School, click on this link
Samuel Saunders
Withymead is also home to an important part of our industrial heritage. Sam Saunders was born at The Swan in Streatley in 1857. He built boats by the river Thames like his father and grandfather before him. He established the Springfield Works here at Withymead in 1870. Remnants of the slipways and boat sheds can be seen within the reserve. Look at our 'History' page or click on this link to learn more about Sam Saunders and his boat building works.
Volunteers
An enthusiastic band of volunteers bring a diverse range of skills and experience to help us; carrying out practical works, such as reed cutting, leaf clearance and working on the various structures around the reserve; helping with surveys and monitoring, water quality, species recording and so on.
Volunteers also help with administrative tasks, producing newsletters, helping on the website and most importantly - fund-raising...
Contact us to become part of our team and help make a real difference for our natural heritage.
Donating
Please help us to maintain Withymead as a beautiful and tranquil haven for wildlife and for people to enjoy by making a donation:
WITHYMEAD NEWS
Platyrhinus resinosus Cramp-ball Fungus Weevil
The Reserve seems to be full of life with the birds feeding their young and reptiles (grass snake and slow-worm) basking in the sun. There is also plenty of insect life. The discovery of a population of Cramp-ball Fungus Weevil has been a highlight. The Loddon Lily are now setting seed - the seed pods are air-filled so they can disperse by floating down the river.
Please contact the Wardens prior to visiting if you would like to use our all-terrain wheelchair (donated by The Lucy Woodward Charitable Trust) and we will meet you in the carpark.
THE STUDY CENTRE
The Study Centre is home to the Trust's educational programme
The centre hosts Training Courses and Events throughout the year, is home for the Loddon Lily Open Days and end of month cream teas
The Study Centre can be accessed from the car park and from the Bridleway.
The Study Centre is available to hire- contact the Wardens for more information.