Upper Ray Meadows, BBOWT
This scheme aims to restore a 7,300 hectare area of the River Ray, creating a naturally functioning wetland landscape over the next 30 years.
working together to conserve wildlife across the entire river catchment
The scheme area, close to Bicester, is one of the last remaining strongholds for wading birds and traditional floodplain meadows in central England. The area is a hotspot for internationally rare, species-rich floodplain hay meadows, and is regionally important for wet grassland and associated species such as breeding waders.
For the first time, BBOWT and the RSPB will work together and with farmers and landowners to conserve wildlife across the entire river catchment. Our work is already being recognised nationally for spearheading landscape-scale wetland wildlife conservation.
What’s happening?
We are:
- Working with farmers and landowners to help them manage their land for wildlife
- Improving river water quality
- Creating new wetland habitats
- Getting local communities involved in conservation work
The purchase of Gallows Bridge Farm in December 2007 and Leaches Farm in October 2009 has more than doubled the size of BBOWT's Upper Ray Meadows reserve. The acquisition of these meadows at the heart of this low-lying wetland region brings the Trust one step closer to fulfilling its 30-year vision of returning the area to a living landscape for the benefit of wildlife and people.
Start: date: 2007
Scheme area: 7,300 hectares
Trust reserves within the scheme
Asham Meads; Upper Ray Meadows; Woodsides Meadow. RSPB Otmoor Reserve
This scheme is helping species including...
Otter, water vole; great crested newt, grass snake; redshank, curlew, snipe, lapwing, yellow wagtail, bittern; true fox-sedge, fen violet (only 3 sites in Britain) and tassel stonewort (only 6 sites in Britain)
This scheme is also...
Helping wildlife adapt to climate change, improving water quality, reducing flood risk and improving access for people.
Partners
Environment Agency, RSPB
To find out more
Email: info@bbowt.org.uk | Tel: 01865 775476 | Ray Valley Restoration
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