Lincombe Lane Fen Restoration

Lincombe Lane is a 4ha parcel of land on the Boars Hill escarpment, designated as a Local Wildlife Site for its species rich unimproved grassland on the upper slopes. The focus of this application is on the Reserve (2.35ha) which comprises scrub with mature Oak / secondary (including wet) woodland which has invaded a formerly open area of valley fen. It is located in the West Oxford Headwaters and Valley Fens Important Freshwater Area i.e. in an area already supporting habitat of this type with its restoration adding to the suite of sites already under nature conservation management. The project is the restoration of open spring fed valley fen habitat and transitional open habitats with adjacent grassland and heathland, from area colonised by secondary woodland. Valley fens are rare nationally, with Oxfordshire being one of the two core areas of England where they are found (the other being Norfolk and Suffolk). In Oxfordshire heathland is also a rare habitat and the combination of heathland and valley fen as well as acid and calcareous grassland makes Lincombe Lane Field a special site for nature conservation. Following the fen restoration, the woodland area will be opened up as it is currently not accessible to the public because of safety. When open people will have a view of the fen, enabling them to enjoy and learn about this special local habitat. Lincombe Lane is close to the communities of Boars Hill and of Wootton and Sunningwell. We already have very high levels of engagement in Boars Hill and will be seeking to encourage Wootton and Sunningwell residents, to enjoy this space, along with other walks across OPT land in the area. The clearing of the trees will also open up the view of the wider valley below the site including that of the Ridgeway in the distance, adding to people’s enjoyment of the place. We already have some volunteers from the local area and will publicise the project to attract other local volunteers.