Burgess Field Nature Park, Nature reserve in North Oxford, England
Burgess Field Nature Park is a nature reserve in North Oxford with open grasslands, clusters of woodland, and mature trees along its northern boundary. The site sits between the railway line and Port Meadow, providing a mix of habitats across its area.
The site functioned as the city's landfill until the early 1980s, when it underwent clay capping and conversion into a landscaped green space. This transformation included the planting of trees and hedges to establish new habitats.
A memorial stone within the park honors John Thompson, Oxford's landscape architect who planted over 10,000 trees throughout the city during his career.
The park can be accessed via Walton Well Road or through footbridges and pathways across Port Meadow, with Trap Ground Allotments serving as a helpful reference point. The terrain varies across the site, so wear suitable footwear for potentially damp ground.
During flooding in Port Meadow, the elevated terrain provides refuge for cattle and horses from surrounding pastures. This role as a natural shelter during high water events is often overlooked by casual visitors exploring the site.
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