What is the RSPB Otmoor nature reserve?

The RSPB Otmoor nature reserve is a protected area in Oxfordshire, UK that is home to rare species of wading birds.

How is the RSPB Otmoor reserve expanding?

The reserve is adding a new 21-hectare site, which was previously agricultural land, to create a floodplain grazing marsh habitat for wading birds.

What species will benefit from the RSPB Otmoor expansion?

The new habitat will target the conservation of wading bird species including lapwing, redshank, curlew, and snipe.

Home / Environment / Oxfordshire Nature Reserve Expands to Protect Endangered Species

Oxfordshire Nature Reserve Expands to Protect Endangered Species

6 Nov

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Summary

RSPB Otmoor reserve in Oxfordshire to grow by 21 hectares
New site to become a floodplain grazing marsh for wading birds
Habitat bank created to aid nature recovery in the region

Oxfordshire Nature Reserve Expands to Protect Endangered Species

As of November 6th, 2025, Oxfordshire's RSPB Otmoor nature reserve is poised to grow significantly. The reserve, which is home to rare species of wading birds, will be expanded by the addition of a new 21-hectare site that was previously used for agriculture.

Cherwell District Council has already begun work on the site, transforming it into a floodplain grazing marsh. This will involve the installation of features like scrapes and footdrains to create the ideal habitat for the targeted wading bird species, including lapwing, redshank, curlew, and snipe.

The new site will become the district's second habitat bank, which are areas of land set aside and managed to help with nature recovery. The RSPB, with its "unrivaled knowledge and years of experience at Otmoor," will be responsible for managing the new habitat.

Councillor Jean Conway, the planning and development chief, has described Otmoor as a "real treasure" when it comes to wetland habitats and sustaining populations of the UK's most beautiful wader species. The RSPB's Chief Operating Officer, James Robinson, has expressed the organization's delight in launching this new site, which will be "a haven for wildlife in the heart of Oxfordshire."

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