About the Reserve
The Boundary Brook Nature Reserve borders the south-west edge of the East Ward Allotments, and there is a grass buffer zone between the two sites. Both the Reserve and buffer zone are managed by the Oxford Urban Wildlife Group (OUWG).
The Reserve was created in 1990, when three acres of disused allotment plots were passed to the OUWG. Featuring mixed woodland, meadow land, natural ponds, and a butterfly glade, the site now offers a unique diversity of habitats that are home to a rich variety of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to frogs and foxes.
Rules for plot holders
EWAA plot holders are welcome to walk in the Reserve, but must respect these rules, which apply to both the Reserve and the buffer zone:
- Don’t remove anything from the site
- Don’t cut down trees and shrubs
- Don’t litter
- Always keep dogs on leads
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
Border management
The OUWG is responsible for managing and maintaining the paths and plants in the buffer zone, and the area at the end of the Middle Lane. Anyone wishing to get involved can attend their regular Thursday morning work parties.
- GRASS: The grassland areas in the reserve are cut on rotation in the Autumn, as advised by Butterfly Conservation, for the benefit of invertebrates and other species, with an earlier first cut in the hay meadow. The buffer zones along the perimeter with the EWAA are cut in January/February as agreed in a joint BSG Ecology/OUWG management plan designed to promote the growth of the slow worm population and facilitate movement of these legless lizards around the site.
- HEDGES: The hedge lines have been worked on over success years during the OUWG Hedgelaying courses which are held in December and January. The work scheduled for 2025 will focus on the hedge line at the end of the Middle Lane, when OUWG volunteers will fence off the Middle Lane with hazel hurdles where a gap exists beside the gate. Visit this OUWG page for dates of the Hedgelaying, Coppicing, and Hurdle Making courses.
- TREES: The OUWG is employing a tree surgeon to thin trees along the track leading to the gate which opens onto the Middle Lane, which will improve light conditions for nearby growers. They will also pollard willows on the cycle track and trees on the edge of the Wildlife Gardens, and carry out work in the Forest School area and around the Bird Hide, as agreed with Oxford City Council (OCC).
For further information about the Reserve, please visit the OUWG website.
If plot holders have any comments or concerns regarding the Reserve, please contact the EWAA Committee, who liaise regularly with the OUWG.
Map of the Reserve
