Wychwood National Nature Reserve

Wychwood National Nature Reserve, covering 501.7 hectares north of Witney in Oxfordshire, is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Grade 1 Nature Conservation Review site. The reserve includes a significant area of 263.4 hectares designated as a national nature reserve and features a Neolithic long barrow, a scheduled monument. Historically, the forest has fluctuated in size due to agricultural expansion, but it remains a vital habitat for diverse wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts can look for species such as the Buzzard, which peaks in February, and the Chiffchaff, best observed in June. Notable sightings include the Song Thrush in May and the aquatic species Aquarius paludum in October. The best times for observing these species are typically around 01:00, making early morning visits particularly rewarding.