Nature Reserve & Community Orchard:

The reserve and community orchard are in North Hinksey Lane, next to the Botley W.I. building. Both are owned and maintained by the Parish Council, with help from volunteers. To discuss any items in relation to the nature reserve or community orchard please contact the Parish Clerk by email clerk@botleynorthhinksey-pc.gov.uk or Tel: 07494 054581.

Development of North Hinksey Nature Reserve

During 2003-04 part of one of the Parish Council’s allotment sites in North Hinksey Lane was redeveloped as a Nature Reserve. Active allotments were retained in the northern-most part of the site. The redevelopment provided two ponds, a raised formal seating area, a wildflower meadow, and wildlife areas. Trees and shrubs were retained or planted, particularly at the southern end of the site.

The Nature Reserve was awarded the Category Plaque and Certificate in the Oxford Preservation Trust Environmental Awards in 2009.

The Parish Council is extremely grateful for the financial support provided by local businessman Mr Kevin Minns for the scheme and for landscaping and paving works undertaken in association with development on the neighbouring Minns Business Park. Substantial grants were obtained from the Vale of White Horse District Council and the Oxford Preservation Trust, and the Environment Agency also made a contribution.

A quick (and unscientific!) survey of wildflowers was carried out in July 2006, just as an attempt to start to log some of the species present.