2018 Highlights Report

67Ha land managed for people and

wildlife

788Bird Hide

Key Holders

Nature Conservation and Land ManagementAnnual maintenance at Standlake Common and Rushy Common Nature Reserves including reed clearance, coppicing, mowing, fence repairs and hedge cutting.Two new Barn Owl nest boxes installed at Standlake Common, supported by Linear Fisheries and SSEN. Fish and Amphibian eDNA survey carried out at Rushy Common.

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Report Analysis of WeBS data for the five years up to 2016 shows that numbers of wintering Gadwall and Shoveler in the Lower Windrush Valley exceed the agreed 1% threshold for a site of national importance. Coot are approaching the 1% threshold.

Yellow Fish SchemeWe worked with the Environment Agency to roll out the Yellow Fish Scheme in Witney. The scheme raises awareness of pollution pathways to our rivers and yellow fish stickers are placed by drains to remind people that anything put down these drains can impact local streams and rivers. Between March and July:• 58 stickers attached to drains in Witney• 50 businesses visited and given information • School visit with Henry Box

Access to the CountrysideWindrush Path Improvement ProjectThanks to funding from TOE, Grundon Waste Management, Newland Angling Club, Standlake Parish Council and the Standlake Mosaic Trail a section of footpath near Standlake was resurfaced in November improving access for those walking the Windrush Path or accessing the bird hides at Standlake Common. An updated interpretation panel with be installed in the new year.

Yellow Fish sticker with the message ‘Only rain down the drain’

Gadwall at Standlake Common

Community Engagement

Friends of the Lower Windrush ValleyThe Friends group was launched in early 2018 and has gone from strength to strength with now over 20 regular volunteers. Volunteers take part in a variety of activities to support the running of the Lower Windrush Valley Project and management of our reserves.

Over 500 hours

volunteered

Events• Big Garden Birdwatch at Rushy

Common• Guided walks and talks• Standlake Brownies visit to Tar

Lakes • Ducklington Annual Parish Meeting• Wetland Wildlife Family Day • Gill Mill Quarry Tours x 3• Wychwood Forest Fair• Annual Forum

Partnerships and communicationsWe welcomed corporate supporters Oxford Pharmagenesis in May 2018We are updating and re-printing several of our leaflets that provide information on nature reserves, public access sites and footpaths. We continue to use our blog, Facebook and mailing list to share news and opportunities

Quarry Tour at Gill Mill

Friends of the Lower Windrush Valley activities: