Conservation

Conservation Management Plan 1996-2000

A Conservation Management Plan 1996-2000 was drawn up by the Northmoor Trust. This contained detailed general and environmental information; evaluation of features; factors influencing management; operational objectives and an action plan. A list of plant species formed an appendix. This plan formed the basis of our application for inclusion in the MAFF Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This was successful and a ten-year agreement was signed on 15 January 1997. This agreement's general aims are to maintain this ancient landscape and to encourage a more species-rich environment. To achieve this, a hay crop is taken in mid-July, then the pasture is grazed by cattle until early November. No fertilisers or pesticides are allowed, and only very limited use of weedkillers (none have been used to date). Special attention is given to the care and maintenance of the veteran willow trees on the banks of the river and the old flood drains. In return, grants are made for management and for capital projects. Capital works, such as the construction of scrapes and bunds and improvement of access were carried out in November 1998.

Conservation Management Plan 2002

A new management plan for the Buck Pool Spinney has been commissioned for 2002.

Trees

Two black poplars (Populus nigra), two English oaks (Quercus robur), two osiers (Salix viminalis) and 50 scrub bushes and trees were planted in November 1998. An annual programme of pollarding the crack willows is in train. 

Tree management

Trees gallery

Flowers

Cowslips have been re-introduced and fritillaries introduced in cooperation with BBOWT. The quality of the meadow and its wildflowers is gradually improving after years of neglect. The meadow received an Oxfordshire Special Conservation Award in 1999.

Flower gallery

Bank maintenance - willow spiling 

Eroded river banks have been reinforced by willow spiling (see picture below)

Live stakes of crack willow are driven into the base of the bank and a woven wattle constructed from osier withies. This is lined with geotextile or hessian and backfilled with soil. This creates a living green bank that resists erosion and is attractive in appearance. The work illustrated was done by the Environment Agency and volunteers together. A meander in the Overy millstream was becoming badly eroded. This was treated by driving stout crack willow stakes into the base of the bank at half-metre intervals, but without the woven wattles. This has been surprisingly successful.

Meander

Otter Holt

In September 2001 an otter holt was constructed as part of a project to encourage the return of otters.