Otmoor RSPB reserve

Otmoor RSPB Reserve lies in Oxfordshire between Beckley and Oddington. It covers 485 hectares of restored marshland once drained for farming. The land was turned back to wetland in 1997 and now holds seasonal floods that shape the landscape. Birdwatchers come to see thousands of wintering waterfowl and waders. Over a thousand wigeon and teal arrive each season, while merlins and peregrines hunt above. Songbirds such as bullfinch, skylark and reed bunting thrive here thanks to traditional farming. Spring and autumn bring passage migrants like waders and redstarts. Marsh harriers are best seen from late April to mid-May. The reserve has several hides overlooking different habitats. Walking trails link to local bridleways and villages, though some areas close when flooded. Bitterns bred here in 2016, and starling murmurations draw crowds in winter. Rare plants grow among the grasslands, and butterflies like marbled white and orange tip flutter over meadows. Brown hares, badgers and muntjac share the reserve with dragonflies and damselflies.