Page 8 - Annual Review 2014-15
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In focus Wild Oxford
The first year of the Wild Oxford project was a great success. In partnership with Oxford
City Council and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, we began the restoration
and management of rare calcareous fens and limestone grassland on three precious
biodiversity hotspots within the city: Chilswell Valley, Rivermead Nature Park and Lye Valley.
New volunteer teams were formed within the local communities and 1,400 volunteer
hours, equivalent to 206 working days, were given to conservation management of the
sites. Over 200m of elevated boardwalks were installed above the fens at the Chilswell
and Lye valleys. At Rivermead Nature Park, a pond dipping platform was installed and
strong links were formed with the Rose Hill Regeneration Project and primary school,
reconnecting the community with this wonderful urban nature reserve.
Guided walks and open days were held at all three sites, and the lost Oxford tradition
of the ‘Happy Valley’ Easter picnic was revived at Chilswell Valley. Ecological surveys
recorded several new species, including the rare black hairstreak butterfly.
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