INTRODUCTION
Following the 2015 AGM it was proposed that a site survey would provide a framework for the allotment society to balance the cultivation of the site with the promotion of a diverse and beneficial wildlife.
The site has a considerable number of wild areas which are mostly on the margins of the site or are too wooded or marshy to be incorporated into the cultivated areas. Several of these wild areas are contiguous with woodland or scrubland outside the boundaries of the site, particularly areas 1, 5, 9, 10 and 11 listed below. Cumulatively these areas make an important contribution to the wildlife corridors that exist around the central area of the city of Oxford. The whole site, including the cultivated areas, supports as many as 100 species of wild flower, 20 species of butterfly (including occasional visitors) and a varied range of bird life, including green and greater spotted woodpeckers and the occasional rare migrant. We have not surveyed the insect population, but it is undoubtedly diverse. Mammals include foxes, semi-feral cats, mice, rats and moles. Hedgehogs have not been seen for a number of years. Fortunately we do not have badgers, and rabbits are at least temporarily absent. Grass snakes, toads and frogs are quite common, although the frogs are becoming scarce.
Section 1 – Descriptive list of uncultivated areas is a list of all the significant uncultivated areas that are beneficial to wildlife and which may also benefit from management and improvement. For further clarification of these areas, please see the accompanying map. Click here to view.
Section 2 – Comments and suggestions discusses recommendations and possible actions for management of the various areas.
Section 3 – Appendices – Wild Flowers, Birds and Butterflies