Parsonage moor

Parsonage Moor Nature Reserve

Parsonage Moor Nature Reserve, situated near Cothill in Oxfordshire, England, is a 6-hectare fenland reserve renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique wetland habitats. ({{LINK0}}) Managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), this reserve is part of the larger Cothill Fen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). ({{LINK1}})

Ecological Significance

The reserve encompasses a variety of habitats, including fen, wet woodland, ancient woodland, open water, and reedbeds. These diverse environments support over 300 vascular plant species, making it one of the most botanically rich sites in Oxfordshire. ({{LINK0}}) Notably, Parsonage Moor is home to both lime-loving and lime-hating plants, a rarity in fenland ecosystems. Among the lime-loving species are the southern marsh-orchid and the nationally scarce narrow-leaved marsh orchid. In contrast, the graceful grass-of-Parnassus, a lime-hating plant, graces the reserve with its large white flowers during August and September. ({{LINK1}})

Carnivorous Plants

The reserve is also notable for its carnivorous plants, such as the common butterwort and bladderwort. The common butterwort traps insects on its sticky, yellow-green leaves, while bladderwort captures them underwater. (bbowt.org.uk)

Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

Parsonage Moor provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including the day-flying scarlet tiger moth and the nationally rare southern damselfly. The reserve is also home to rare soldier flies, such as the clubbed general and silver colonel. ({{LINK0}}) Conservation efforts have been ongoing to protect and enhance these habitats. In 2009, a field trip led by the Reading & District Natural History Society documented species like the Rannoch looper moth and the spindle ermine caterpillar, highlighting the reserve's ecological importance. ({{LINK1}})

Visitor Information

The reserve is accessible via a car park on the minor road in Cothill, opposite the Merry Miller pub. From there, visitors can take the public footpath that runs north and then west out of the village (String Lane). The two reserves, Parsonage Moor and Cothill Fen, are adjacent to one another, with Parsonage Moor being reached first. The BBOWT reserve is actively managed to improve the site for dragonflies and features a sign at the entrance and a boardwalk. (oxondragonflies.blogspot.com)

Conclusion

Parsonage Moor Nature Reserve offers a unique glimpse into the diverse and complex ecosystems of Oxfordshire's fenlands. Its rich array of plant and animal species, combined with ongoing conservation efforts, make it a valuable site for both ecological study and public enjoyment.