Over the past few months, we’ve hosted a series of Noticing Nature events across Oxfordshire — giving people a chance to slow down, explore, and connect with the natural world.
We kicked things off on 21st May at Hinksey Heights, where we enjoyed a sunny morning exploring the rare alkaline fen habitat. Highlights included sightings of Marsh Lousewort, Common Cottongrass, and the striking Drinker Moth caterpillar.

On 4th June, we visited North Leigh Common, where regular site volunteers guided us to some interesting spots where habitat management efforts are encouraging heather growth. A memorable moment was witnessing reptile monitoring in action — under one of the reptile mats, we discovered a young Grass Snake and a Slow-worm, much to the group’s delight! One attendee even felt inspired to try it at home!

Despite the drizzle, on 2nd July, Heyford Meadow didn’t disappoint. Participants spotted invertebrates such as the Red Soldier Beetle and a Meadow Brown butterfly warming itself in the overcast weather. We also observed a wide variety of plant species, including Great Burnet, Tufted Vetch, Yellow-rattle, Purple Loosestrife and Meadowsweet. A Common Tern was seen hunting gracefully along the River Thames, while the calls of Blackcap, Chiffchaff, and Sedge Warbler added a musical backdrop to the day. Attendees enjoyed learning from experts and using tools like hand lenses and iNaturalist. They said it was a great way to get started with recording environmental data.

On 7th July, we started the week at Spiceball Park, exploring a vibrant mix of grassland and wetland plants. Species such as Meadowsweet, Common Valerian, and Lady’s Bedstraw were in full bloom. Butterflies were abundant, with sightings of Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Red Admiral, and Comma. Overhead, Red Kites soared, and other birds included Blackbird and Wren.

A huge thank you to David and Graham from the Abingdon Naturalists Society for guiding us through the beautiful Barton Fields, part of the Radley Gravel Pits, on 22nd July. We spotted meadow plants like Common Knapweed, Yellow-rattle, and Wild Marjoram, along with rarer finds such as Lesser Calamint and Corncockle. In the wetter fen areas, we saw amongst others, Purple-loosestrife, Meadowsweet and Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil. Aquatic invertebrates were netted from ponds including a Water Scorpion. A beautiful Slow-worm was discovered under a reptile mat and a few toadlets were also seen sheltering in the dry meadow. One attendee summed it up perfectly: it was great to be among like-minded people and learn more about local wildlife.

Across all events, feedback has been fantastic — people called the events “excellent,” “friendly,” and “a great way to learn.” Many said they’ve come away with a deeper appreciation for nature — whether through learning new plant identification skills, discovering hidden reserves, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings.
If you’ve enjoyed these events or are curious to get involved, don’t miss our final Noticing Nature event this Wednesday at Boundary Brook Nature Reserve: https://tverc.org./recorders/are-you-noticing-wildlife/noticing-nature-events
Keep an eye on TVERC’s website and social media channels for future opportunities.
Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund’s WISH Partnership Waste Innovation Station Headquarters for supporting these events.