Nestling between the villages of Shrivenham and Watchfield, Tuckmill Nature Reserve combines meadow, dry and marshy grassland, hedgerow and streamside fen. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) since 1975, the L-shaped site is the habitat for a huge variety of flora and fauna, as well as several species that are very unusual in the region. Discover more about Tuckmill, what to look for when you visit, and how you can help to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of this wildlife haven.
Friends of Tuckmill was established in October 2021 to work with the owners of the site, the Vale of White Horse District Council, to help restore the reserve after a period of about four years when it was largely neglected. Click here to find out what management and restoration of Tuckmill is being carried out and here for how you can support Friends of Tuckmill.
FLORA
FRIENDS OF TUCKMILL INCREASE SOUTHERN MARSH ORCHID POPULATION
A rare plant found at Tuckmill is the southern marsh orchid which grows largely along the upper reaches of Ratcoombe Brook. Discover how Friends of Tuckmill (FoT) are helping it thrive.
FRIENDS OF TUCKMILL INCREASE SOUTHERN MARSH ORCHID POPULATION
A rare plant found at Tuckmill is the southern marsh orchid which grows largely along the upper reaches of Ratcoombe Brook. Discover how Friends of Tuckmill (FoT) are helping it thrive.
LATEST NEWS
LAUNCH OF ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
While funding from a housing development in Shrivenham will help deliver major upgrades to the reserve, Friends of Tuckmill relies upon donations from the community to cover running costs. Find out how you can help keep us going.
LAUNCH OF ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
While funding from a housing development in Shrivenham will help deliver major upgrades to the reserve, Friends of Tuckmill relies upon donations from the community to cover running costs. Find out how you can help keep us going.
"Tuckmill Meadows contains an exquisite combination of streamside fen, meadow, woodland, hedgerows and flora-rich limestone grassland."
Oxford Conservation Volunteers
FAUNA
DISCOVER ABUNDANT AQUATIC ANIMALS
FoT aim to protect Tuckmill's numerous aquatic animals including a variety of newt types, frogs, otters and water vole. Check out our latest water vole survey as well as videos of otters.
DISCOVER ABUNDANT AQUATIC ANIMALS
FoT aim to protect Tuckmill's numerous aquatic animals including a variety of newt types, frogs, otters and water vole. Check out our latest water vole survey as well as videos of otters.
SPECIES RECORDING
HELP US RECORD HOW WE'RE DOING
Species recording is vital for us to check on our progress in restoring the nature reserve and to inform regional and national records. Find out how you can record what you see and hear.
HELP US RECORD HOW WE'RE DOING
Species recording is vital for us to check on our progress in restoring the nature reserve and to inform regional and national records. Find out how you can record what you see and hear.
BECOME INVOLVED
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY SCYTHING OR RAKING?
Friends of Tuckmill organises regular working parties to ensure that the reserve isn't overwhelmed by invasive growth and so that a wide diversity of flora and fauna can thrive. See how you can join in!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY SCYTHING OR RAKING?
Friends of Tuckmill organises regular working parties to ensure that the reserve isn't overwhelmed by invasive growth and so that a wide diversity of flora and fauna can thrive. See how you can join in!
"It's hard work but fun and very rewarding."
Click here to find out what it's like being a volunteer raker at a Tuckmill working party
FAUNA
TUCKMILL BAT SURVEY
A Tuckmill volunteer has carried out a bat survey of the site using an echo meter. Read his report identifying two types of pipistrelle; a brown long-eared bat; a noctule and possibly the rare barbastelle that is known to hunt in parts of Wiltshire.
TUCKMILL BAT SURVEY
A Tuckmill volunteer has carried out a bat survey of the site using an echo meter. Read his report identifying two types of pipistrelle; a brown long-eared bat; a noctule and possibly the rare barbastelle that is known to hunt in parts of Wiltshire.
FAUNA
DISCOVER SOME OF TUCKMILL'S MAMMALS AND BIRDS
Mammals including badgers, moles, foxes, muntjacs and other deers; and birds such as reed warblers and the lesser whitethroat have been seen at Tuckmill. See videos of badgers as well as evidence of them clearing out their bedding.
DISCOVER SOME OF TUCKMILL'S MAMMALS AND BIRDS
Mammals including badgers, moles, foxes, muntjacs and other deers; and birds such as reed warblers and the lesser whitethroat have been seen at Tuckmill. See videos of badgers as well as evidence of them clearing out their bedding.
FAUNA
ANTS
Tuckmill's diverse flora gives rise to many thousands of insects with many rare species of note.
ANTS
Tuckmill's diverse flora gives rise to many thousands of insects with many rare species of note.
ABOUT
WHAT IS A TUCKING MILL?
Have you ever wondered how Tuckmill got its name? During 'lockdown' Shrivenham Heritage Society produced a mini-presentation series including a great article by Neil Maw about the history of Tuckmill Farm which gives our reserve its name.
WHAT IS A TUCKING MILL?
Have you ever wondered how Tuckmill got its name? During 'lockdown' Shrivenham Heritage Society produced a mini-presentation series including a great article by Neil Maw about the history of Tuckmill Farm which gives our reserve its name.
EXPLORE
WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT
Tuckmill nature reserve is between the villages of Shrivenham and Watchfield, just south of the A420. It is approximately 9 miles from Swindon and 24 miles from Oxford. Click to find directions, see maps and prepare for your visit!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT
Tuckmill nature reserve is between the villages of Shrivenham and Watchfield, just south of the A420. It is approximately 9 miles from Swindon and 24 miles from Oxford. Click to find directions, see maps and prepare for your visit!
"Tuckmill Meadows contains an exquisite combination of streamside fen, meadow, woodland, hedgerows and flora-rich limestone grassland."
Oxford Conservation Volunteers
PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH
Enjoy your visit and please contact us if you would like to support Tuckmill with a donation, by joining a working party or helping behind the scenes. Or you could take a photo from one of our picture posts so we can track the reserve through the seasons. Keeping in touch is easy: click below for our free quarterly newsletter!
Enjoy your visit and please contact us if you would like to support Tuckmill with a donation, by joining a working party or helping behind the scenes. Or you could take a photo from one of our picture posts so we can track the reserve through the seasons. Keeping in touch is easy: click below for our free quarterly newsletter!