Farmoor Reservoir Oxfordshire

Birding Sites in the Farmoor Reservoir Area

Additional Site Details

Directions

Farmoor Reservoir is widely signposted on brown tourist information signs.

From central Oxford: leave Oxford via A420 Botley Road; pass under the A34 Western Bypass and turn right into Eynsham Road (B4044). Pass under the A420, then turn left at a mini-roundabout in Farmoor village after approx. 1½ miles (*). The car park is at Gate 3, on the right after approximately ½ mile.

From A40 eastbound: leave the A40 at the roundabout just east of Eynsham; turn right (signposted Stanton Harcourt). At the second roundabout turn left into Wharf Road (signposted Botley via toll bridge). Cross the Swinford toll bridge (the toll for a car is 5p as of August 1999). Turn right at the mini-roundabout in Farmoor village and follow instructions from (*) above.

From A34: leave the A34 at Botley Interchange, following A420 west (signposted Swindon). Leave at the first exit, after approximately ½ mile (signposted Farmoor). Turn right at the bottom of the slip road, then turn left at a mini-roundabout in Farmoor village after approx. 1½ miles. Follow directions from (*) above.

Access

Strictly speaking, a permit is required to enter the reservoir surrounds. The reserves can be overlooked from the Thames towpath.

Parking

At Gate 3 (SP451061&ar=y). Fee payable; opening hours vary with the season.

Opening Times

The reservoir gates are generally open during the hours of daylight.

Facilities

Log book of bird sightings in "fishermen's lodge" (aka "Amenities Room") near the eastern end of the causeway. Hides at Shrike Meadow and Pinkhill (a key code is required for the latter site).

Key Areas / Routes

Pinkhill: SP439066
Shrike Meadow: SP439063
Concrete banks of causeway (SP443063) for waders and sometimes passerines. Large gull roost, and terns at passage times. Reserves hold breeding Common Tern, plus sometimes passage waders.