Highlights from Noticing Nature Events

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.


A person wearing a light-colored hat, scarf, and sweater with a backpack stands in a grassy area near a wooden bench, looking out over a field of wildflowers bordered by a wooden fence. Trees and bushes surround the area, and houses are visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

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!


Several people are standing and crouching in a grassy, green field surrounded by trees and shrubs. One person is kneeling and closely examining or picking plants, while others observe or look at the ground.

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.


A group of eight people stand together in a grassy field surrounded by tall wildflowers and green trees under a cloudy sky. The individuals are dressed in outdoor clothing, including jackets and backpacks, and appear to be engaged in an outdoor activity or nature walk.

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.


Five adults are standing and crouching in a grassy, wildflower-filled meadow under a partly cloudy sky. Some are closely examining plants, one is holding a field guide or notebook, and another has a bag slung over the shoulder. The group is engaged in an outdoor educational activity. In the background, there are trees bordering the open field.

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.


A close-up image of two people outdoors, one wearing blue gloves and holding a slow worm in their hands. The background shows tall dry grass and two other people standing nearby, one in a plaid shirt and the other in a black t-shirt with green pants.

Our final Noticing Nature event of the year took place at Boundary Brook on 6th August. We explored the meadow, bright with Cornflower and Corncockle, and spotted invertebrates like ladybirds, hoverflies, and Roesel's Bush-crickets. During our Big Butterfly Count, we recorded Large White, Meadow Brown, and Gatekeeper, with other species seen nearby. Around the dried pond, we found Purple-loosestrife, Fleabane, and Meadowsweet, while bird highlights included Green Woodpecker, Robin, Wren, and a brief Bullfinch call. A young Fox was also caught on camera. In the woodland, we admired trees like Guelder-rose, Oak, and Silver Birch. Many attendees shared how the event helped them feel more connected to nature.

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.

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.