IMG
© Stephen Matthews

Port Meadow, Oxford

51.77175 , -1.28509

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)

Port Meadow is an example of an important habitat type in the UK, the water meadow. Water meadows are fields alongside rivers which are flooded in wet weather, providing valuable habitat for migrating or wintering water birds and waders. Located beside the River Thames on the edge of Oxford, Port Meadow is administered by Oxford City Council. This is one of the most well-watched birding sites in Oxfordshire, with over 180 species recorded on eBird. For recent sightings, refer to the 'Port Meadow Birding' blog.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 51.7717/-1.2851 (2023-01-22 02:59:12 )

Coordinates were set by Twq Ywq : 51.7717/-1.2851 (2021-12-28 11:20:17 )

Site name was set by Twq Ywq as "Port Meadow, Oxford" (2021-12-28 11:20:17 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 11:40:51
Port Meadow is an example of an important habitat type in the UK, the water meadow. Water meadows are fields alongside rivers which are flooded in wet weather, providing valuable habitat for migrating or wintering water birds and waders. Located beside the River Thames on the edge of Oxford, Port Meadow is adminstered administered by Oxford City Council. This is one of the most well-watched birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some over 180 species recorded on eBird. For recent sightings, refer to the 'Port Meadow Birding' blog.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-01-22 02:59:12
Port Meadow is an example of an important habitat type in the UK, the water meadow. Water meadows are fields alongside rivers which are flooded in wet weather, providing valuable habitat for migrating or wintering water birds and waders. Located beside the River Thames on the edge of Oxford, Port Meadow is adminstered by Oxford City Council. This is one of the most well-known well-watched birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some 180 species recorded on eBird. For recent sightings, refer to the 'Port Meadow Birding' blog.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-01-22 02:55:26
Port Meadow is an example of an important habitat type in the UK, the water meadow. Water meadows are fields alongside rivers which are flooded in wet weather, providing valuable habitat for migrating or wintering water birds and waders. Located beside the River Thames on the edge of Oxford, Port Meadow is adminstered by Oxford City Council. This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some 180 species recorded on eBird. For recent sightings, refer to the 'Port Meadow Birding' blog.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-01-08 14:56:34
Port Meadow is an example of an important habitat type in the UK, the water meadow. Water meadows are fields alongside rivers which are flooded in wet weather, providing valuable habitat for migrating or wintering water birds and waders. Located beside the River Thames on the edge of Oxford, Port Meadow is adminstered by Oxford City Council. This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some 175 180 species recorded on eBird. For recent sightings, refer to the 'Port Meadow Birding' blog.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-15 13:16:59
Port Meadow is an example of an important habitat type in the UK, the water meadow. Water meadows are fields alongside rivers which are flooded in wet weather, providing valuable habitat for migrating or wintering water birds and waders. Located beside the River Thames on the edge of Oxford, Port Meadow is adminstered by Oxford City Council. This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some 175 species recorded on eBird. For recent sightings, refer to the 'Port Meadow Birding' blog.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-05 12:10:09
Port Meadow is an example of an important habitat type in the UK, the water meadow. Water meadows are fields alongside rivers which are flooded in wet weather, providing valuable habitat for migrating or wintering water birds and waders. Located beside the River Thames on the edge of Oxford, Port Meadow is adminstered by Oxford City Council. This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some 175 species recorded on eBird.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

European Golden-Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)

Ruff (Calidris pugnax) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 11:43:59)

European Golden-Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-10-24 22:22:38)

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) was added by Twq Ywq (2021-12-28 11:27:45)

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans) was added by Twq Ywq (2021-12-28 11:27:22)

  • Timing and strategy

The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Scanning the gull roost, you stand an excellent chance of finding a few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull, as long as you're well-versed in gull identification. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe etc. Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope.

Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there, along with Kestrel and Red Kite which is now common in Oxfordshire.

The walk that starts from the car park at the end of Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-05 12:04
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some 175 species recorded on eBird. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Scanning the gull roost, you stand an excellent chance of finding a few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull, as long as you're well-versed in gull identification. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe etc. Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there, along with Kestrel and Red Kite which is now common in Oxfordshire. The walk that starts from the car park at the end of Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-10-25 18:00
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire, with some 175 species recorded on eBird. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Scanning the gull roost, you stand an excellent chance of finding a few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull, as long as you're well-versed in gull identification. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe etc. Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there. there, along with Kestrel and Red Kite which is now common in Oxfordshire. The walk that starts from the car park at the end of Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-10-24 23:17
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. Oxfordshire, with some 175 species recorded on eBird. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Scanning the gull roost, you stand an excellent chance of finding a few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull, as long as you're well-versed in gull identification. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe etc. Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there. The walk that starts from the car park at the end of Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2022-01-02 10:59
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Scanning the gull roost, you stand an excellent chance of finding a few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull, as long as you're well-versed in gull identification. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin Dunlin, Snipe etc. Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there. The walk that starts from the car park at Walton the end of Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2022-01-02 10:58
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Scanning the gull roost, you stand an excellent chance of finding a few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull, as long as you're well-versed in gull identification. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin etc. Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there. The walk that starts from the car park at Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2022-01-02 10:56
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin etc. Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there. The walk that starts from the car park at Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2022-01-02 10:47
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin etc.  Very occasionally, a rarity will be found there, the most recent ones including Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff.  Intrepid birders who scout the Field have found Woodcock in the winter, and such migrants as Common Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher in the autumn. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard are regularly reported there. The walk that starts from the car park at Walton Well Road and follows the River Thames can yield common woodland birds like Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2022-01-02 10:41
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migratory season, migration, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin etc.  Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. 
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2021-12-28 13:16
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover sometimes grace the floods during migratory season, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin etc.  Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. 
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2021-12-28 11:37
This is one of the most well-known birding sites in Oxfordshire. The meadow is partially flooded over in the winter, and sometimes in autumn or spring if there is enough rain. Hundreds if not thousands of wintering gulls roost there in the evening. Ducks like Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon are also common in the winter. Large flocks of Golden Plover grace the floods during migratory season, often with other waders on show including Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin etc.  Burgess Field has summering warblers: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff. 
  • How to get there

Not far from the centre of Oxford (20-25 minutes' walk). One can walk or cycle to the gate via Walton Street and Walton Well Lane.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-10-28 17:14
Not far from the centre of Oxford.Oxford (20-25 minutes' walk). One can walk or cycle to the gate via Walton Street and Walton Well Lane.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-10-25 18:01
Not far from the centre of Oxford. One can walk or cycle to the gate via Walton Street and Walton Well Lane.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2021-12-28 11:25
Not far from the centre of Oxford. The two most frequently used entrances are:\r\n\r\n\r\n the end of Walton Well Road, where there is e.g. a car park\r\n Aristotle Bridge\r\n\r\n\r\nThere is another entrance at Wolvercote, on Godstow Road.\r\n\r\nYet another option is to walk along the Thames and to take the wooden bridge to the meadow.\r\n\r\nAll these options are clearly shown on the map.\r\n\r\n
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2021-12-28 11:24
Not far from the centre of Oxford. The two main entrances most frequently used entrances are: the end of Walton Well Road, where there is e.g. a car park Aristotle Bridge There is another entrance at Wolvercote, on Godstow Road. Yet another option is to walk along the Thames and to take the wooden bridge to the meadow. All these options are clearly shown on the map.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2021-12-28 11:24
Not far from the centre of Oxford. The two main entrances are: the end of Walton Well Road, where there is e.g. a car park Aristotle Bridge There is another entrance at Wolvercote, on Godstow Road. Yet another option is to walk along the Thames and to take the wooden bridge to the meadow. All these options are clearly shown on the map.

The two most frequently used entrances are:

  • the end of Walton Well Road, where there is a car park
  • Aristotle Bridge at the end of Aristotle Lane

There is another entrance at Wolvercote, on Godstow Road.

Yet another option is to walk along the Thames and to cross the wooden bridge into the meadow.

All these options are clearly shown on Google Maps.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-10-24 22:30
The two most frequently used entrances are: the end of Walton Well Road, where there is e.g. a car park Aristotle Bridge Bridge at the end of Aristotle Lane There is another entrance at Wolvercote, on Godstow Road. Yet another option is to walk along the Thames and to cross the wooden bridge into the meadow. All these options are clearly shown on Google Maps.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2022-01-02 15:35
The two most frequently used entrances are: the end of Walton Well Road, where there is e.g. a car park Aristotle Bridge There is another entrance at Wolvercote, on Godstow Road. Yet another option is to walk along the Thames and to take the cross the wooden bridge to into the meadow. All these options are clearly shown on the map.Google Maps.
Edited by Twq Ywq on 2021-12-28 11:25
The two most frequently used entrances are: the end of Walton Well Road, where there is e.g. a car park Aristotle Bridge There is another entrance at Wolvercote, on Godstow Road. Yet another option is to walk along the Thames and to take the wooden bridge to the meadow. All these options are clearly shown on the map.
  • Other attractions

Oxford has many attractions for non-birding companions. Especially close is the renowned Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street, only 15-20 minutes' walk from the car park on Walton Well Road (which offers relatively reasonable parking for up to 5 hours).

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-05 12:01
Oxford has many attractions for non-birding companions. Especially close is the renowned Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street, only 15 15-20 minutes' walk from the car park on Walton Well Road (which incidentally offers relatively reasonable parking for up to 5 hours).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-05 12:01
Oxford has many attractions for non-birding companions. Especially close is the renowned Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street, only 15 minutes' walk from the car park on Walton Well Road (which incidentally offers relatively reasonable parking for up to 5 hours).

Nearby Walton Street offers many options for eating and drinking, including various pubs. One of the closest is the Zheng restaurant, serving excellent Chinese-Malaysian dishes.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-05-11 11:33
Nearby Walton Street offers many options for eating and drinking.drinking, including various pubs. One of the closest is the Zheng restaurant, serving excellent Chinese-Malaysian dishes.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-05 11:54
Nearby Walton Street offers many options for eating and drinking. One of the closest is the Zheng restaurant, serving excellent Chinese-Malaysian dishes.

Since the main point of visiting this site is to view the flooded water meadow, expect the paths to be wet and muddy in places.

The meadow suffers regular disturbance from dogs which are allowed to run free, a questionable policy in view of the designation of the meadow as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its importance for roosting birds: the Northern Lapwing, for example, is Near Threatened in the UK, while the European Golden Plover is Vulnerable.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-05 12:11
Since the main point of visiting this site is to view the flooded water meadow, expect the paths to be wet and muddy in places. The meadow suffers regular disturbance from dogs which are allowed to run free, a questionable policy in view of the designation of the meadow as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its importance of the site for roosting birds: the Northern Lapwing, for example, is Near Threatened in the UK, while the European Golden Plover is Vulnerable.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-11-05 11:51
Since the main point of visiting this site is to view the flooded water meadow, expect the paths to be wet and muddy in places.places. The meadow suffers regular disturbance from dogs which are allowed to run free, a questionable policy in view of the importance of the site for roosting birds: the Northern Lapwing, for example, is Near Threatened in the UK, while the European Golden Plover is Vulnerable.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-10-25 18:02
Since the main point of visiting this site is to view the flooded water meadow, expet expect the paths to be wet and muddy in places.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-10-25 17:58
Since the main point of visiting this site is the flooded water meadow, expet the paths to be wet and muddy in places.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides

No local guides yet

Gallery

Reports

Season:
to
Species:
no reports found
Port Meadow, Oxford - Orniverse