CS Lewis Nature Reserve

CS Lewis Nature Reserve is a protected woodland area in Risinghurst, Oxford, covering around 3 hectares with walking trails throughout. At its center sits a pond created from an old clay excavation, supporting diverse aquatic plants and animals.

The land once belonged to author CS Lewis before residents established it as a protected nature reserve in 1969. This conservation effort transformed the site into a dedicated space for environmental protection and ecological study.

Students and researchers come here to study the ecosystems and observe wildlife in their natural setting. The place serves as a living classroom where people connect with nature through direct observation and exploration.

Access to the reserve is through Lewis Close with parking nearby and walking paths throughout the area. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for muddy conditions, especially during wet seasons.

Each spring, toads and newts return to the pond to breed and lay their eggs in the water. This seasonal event makes the site a natural place to observe amphibian behavior and reproduction cycles.