Last reviewed: 30 june 2011 16:53m
Oxfordshire
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Farmoor Reservoir is situated five miles west of Oxford.
Points of interest
Surrounded by beautiful countryside with woodland views, and the River Thames nearby, there is plenty to do around the reservoir.
Activities range from countryside walks, birdwatching, trout fly-fishing, sailing, and wind surfing.
Site facilities
Open access
| Members only | No | Toilets | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car park | Yes | Accessibility | Yes |
| Refreshments | No | Picnic | Yes |
Help us stop the spread of killer shrimp species
On 3 September, a species of shrimp never before found in the UK was discovered. We need your help to prevent the spread of this invasive species by following some simple measures.
Countryside walk
The four-mile walk around the reservoir offers views of the water, woodland paths, Thames riverside meadows and nature reserves.
The walk starts from the visitor car park at gate three, and maps can be obtained from the Farmoor Reservoir centre.
Information boards around the walk explain the wildlife interest of the area.
Dogs are welcome, if kept on a lead, but nowhere else on the reservoir site.
We regret that the walk is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Accessible wetland trail
We have recently built a trail suitable for wheelchairs, which links our accessible bird hide at Pinkhill Meadow with the hide at nearby Shrike Meadow.
There is a short ramp with a 1:20 slope, and car parking for disabled badge holders is available at the Pinkhill hide at the start of the trail.
Please report to the Farmoor Reservoir centre on arrival.
Birding at Farmoor
Farmoor Reservoir is one of the top birdwatching venues in Oxfordshire.
The combination of open reservoir, woodland, and riverside wetlands and meadows attracts a great variety of birds ranging on occasion from Ospreys Pandion haliaetus to Garganey Anas querquedule to the sought after Red Throated Diver that visits the site through the winter months.
We have a close relationship with the Oxford ornithological society and hold open days and bird events through the year.
Our three wetland nature reserves situated at the northern end of the site have won national awards for habitat creation and management. They offer superb views and hands on experience with of some of the sites wonderful array of inhabitants.
There are binoculars available for hire at the rangers office.
Sailing
Oxford sailing club runs dinghy and windsurfing racing and training events on a regular basis.
The Oxford and district school sailing association provides sailing experience and training for young people and schools in the area.
How to get there
The reservoir is well connected, just a few minutes drive from the A40 and A34. A frequent bus service between Oxford and Witney stops in Farmoor village, approximately half-a-mile away from gate three.
