Nature Reserves

Cumnor Hurst Community Woodland
Managed by:
OS grid reference:	SP 472 041
Nearest postcode:	OX2 9PH
Usual work:	Tree planting

This is a 17-acre community woodland created in 2009 with the planting of over 700 native trees as part of the celebrations of Mitzvah Day, with subsequent native trees being planted since. The land was donated by Timbmet timber and was planted with native trees in order to create a new habitat for a variety of species. The site is adjacent to the Hurst Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is home to a variety of mosses, liverworts and numerous species of lichens uncommon in Oxfordshire, in addition to great crested newts. The planting and maintenance of this new woodland is a community project involving two local Primary schools as well as members of the local community. OCV has assisted at this site by planting more trees and looking after the site to ensure the trees have the best chance to thrive.

Flora and Fauna

Badgers, birds of prey, invertebrates, foxes, flowers, and small mammals have already been seen at this site, and it is hoped that it will increase the size of the habitat of the species found at the adjacent SSSI site also. The trees planted at the site are all native species, such as oak.

Conservation Management

The routine management of the site is undertaken each month by the Cumnor Hurst volunteers. During summer the invasive non-native plants are kept in check, the landscape maintained and general tidying undertaken. In winter, regular planting of native trees is done by staff and pupils of local schools, community groups, faith organisations, and enthusiastic volunteers. A monthly management meeting guides the project, which is funded by private donations, as well as the Forestry Commission.

Directions

Leave Oxford on Botley Road heading west away from Oxford. Remain on this road as you go under the Southern Bypass and head towards Cumnor. The road will turn into Cumnor Hill. The site is at the base of the Hurst, on the left-hand side of Cumnor Hill after Hurst Lane. Entrance is off the Chawley Park mini industrial estate (Timbmet), and not visible from the road.