Chalk Grassland Maintenance at Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxfordshire

Warburg nature reserve, one of BBOWT’s largest at 109ha, is mainly woodland but it also includes some 9ha of chalk grassland. Many of these grasslands are species rich and support wildflowers such as Chiltern genetian, greater and lesser butterfly orchid and clustered bellflower. Most of the grasslands are kept free of scrub by grazing with the Trust’s own cattle and sheep.
Maintaining effective fencing and stock pens for the reserve’s livestock is a crucial part of the grazing regime that keeps the chalk grassland habitat in good condition. Additional fencing materials are now needed to repair some of the existing fencing and materials are aso required for new stock pens. In addition vetinerary items will support the maintenance of healthy livestock at the site. Rabbit control is another key part of the annual maintenance of the chalk grassland and is particularly important in maintaining the site’s rare plants.