Location: SP578211 - Access to BOS keyholder members. For details please contact a committee member or Reserve Warden This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
PostCode for SatNav: OX25 2NY
Please read the Risk Assessment before you visit the reserve
Disturbance to the reserve is kept to a minimum by viewing from 2 tower hides or or the fenced paths.
Bicester Wetland Reserve is managed by the BOS on behalf of Thames Water.
This is a member-only site due to the hazardous nature of the site, heavy moving equipment and hazardous areas. Reserve manager Alan Peters instructs members on the safety features on the site, viewing from two hides. The site can be locked at any time by Thames Water, therefore keys are vital.
Created in 1999, Bicester Wetland Reserve was the result of an agreement between the BOS and Thames Water. The 7ha site was previously used for the disposal of sewage sludge from the nearby sewage treatment works. Channels and scrapes were excavated with supporting bunds and water control mechanisms.
Ten species of warbler have been recorded here of which nine have bred on the reserve. Other breeding species include Little Grebe, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Kingfisher and Reed Bunting. Water Rail and Barn Owl have also bred in some years.
Green Sandpiper is recorded in all months except May, Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper are regular passage migrants, with winter months hosting large numbers of Common Snipe and a few Jack Snipe - in all 22 species of wader have occurred.
Teal is the most numerous wintering duck with counts exceeding 400 birds with smaller numbers of Gadwall and Shoveler. Little Egret is now a common sight and Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis are rare visitors.
Since regular recording started in 1999 150 bird species have been logged.