FLORA intro copy (this was old Wildlife intro - needs amending
The combination of habitats at Tuckmill gives rise to a wide variety of flora and, in turn, a huge number of fauna. To the north-west is Tuckmill's meadow, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because its calcarious habitat is very unusual in the region with some unusual species living there. The other SSSI is the fenland at the base of the site. This marshland provides a wonderful environment for the reserve's most stunning plant, the Southern Marsh Orchid as well as the unusual Ragged Robin and Adder’s Tongue Fern.
The combination of habitats at Tuckmill gives rise to a wide variety of flora and, in turn, a huge number of fauna. To the north-west is Tuckmill's meadow, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because its calcarious habitat is very unusual in the region with some unusual species living there. The other SSSI is the fenland at the base of the site. This marshland provides a wonderful environment for the reserve's most stunning plant, the Southern Marsh Orchid as well as the unusual Ragged Robin and Adder’s Tongue Fern.
SOUTHERN MARSH ORCHIDS
UPDATE - SEASON 2023
After much preparation by Friends of Tuckmill volunteers, the orchid season of 2023 began with a large number of rosettes appearing in late April and early May. In late May and early June, huge numbers of Southern Marsh Orchids appeared in both the west and east meadows, triple the number from the previous year.
UPDATE - SEASON 2023
After much preparation by Friends of Tuckmill volunteers, the orchid season of 2023 began with a large number of rosettes appearing in late April and early May. In late May and early June, huge numbers of Southern Marsh Orchids appeared in both the west and east meadows, triple the number from the previous year.
YELLOW FLAG IRIS (Iris pseudacorus)
On the course of the old brook in the north part of Tuckmill Meadows, a bright green clump containing large, strikingly yellow flowers came to prominence in 2022. The flowers are of the Yellow Flag Iris, so called because it prefers to grow in shallow marshy areas and 'flags up' where it is shallow and safer to cross by foot.
They are also associate with the Fleur-di-Lis that is a regular feature within British heraldry. They grow rapidly and area therefore classed as invasive but can be controlled by vigorous cutting. They prefer full sun and are particularly favoured by flying insects for resting and sheltering. Neil B Maw
They are also associate with the Fleur-di-Lis that is a regular feature within British heraldry. They grow rapidly and area therefore classed as invasive but can be controlled by vigorous cutting. They prefer full sun and are particularly favoured by flying insects for resting and sheltering. Neil B Maw
JACK-GO-TO-BED-AT-NOON (xxxx)
This is a favourite flower because, during its life cycle, it is pretty, attracts insects, has sculptural elegance and displays a huge, fluffy seed globe. Looking like a very lanky dandelion which closes every day at noon, it likes meadows and there are many specimens in Tuckmill. Other names are Meadow Goat's Beard, Meadow Salsify and Noonflower. Be sure to see the flowers before midday!
copy: Nan Pratt photos: (L) Naturespot, Graham Callow Sapcote, Leics & Rutland Wildlife Recording; (R) Nan Pratt, Tuckmill 13.07.22
copy: Nan Pratt photos: (L) Naturespot, Graham Callow Sapcote, Leics & Rutland Wildlife Recording; (R) Nan Pratt, Tuckmill 13.07.22
LADY'S BEDSTRAW (Galium verum)
June 2022 saw many patches of this plant - one of the many varieties of Galium - appearing all over the west meadow. In the summer it can carpet meadows and fill the air with a sweet, honey-like scent. Its name is probably derived from the tradition of stuffing straw mattresses with it, particularly those of women about to give birth. The plant was also used historically in the production of cheese, a method now lost. NBM
June 2022 saw many patches of this plant - one of the many varieties of Galium - appearing all over the west meadow. In the summer it can carpet meadows and fill the air with a sweet, honey-like scent. Its name is probably derived from the tradition of stuffing straw mattresses with it, particularly those of women about to give birth. The plant was also used historically in the production of cheese, a method now lost. NBM
JURY OUT ON BLUEBELLS
Mid April often sees the appearance of bluebells in Ratcoombe Copse - unfortunately the Spanish hybrids (Hyacinthoides hispanica) rather than the native species (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). The Spanish bluebells were apparently introduced to this country during the Victorian era and were destined for domestic gardens but some have obviously escaped. Some say they should be removed, so they don't dilute the English native stock, while others feel they are really nice to see adding a splash of early spring colour to the copse. The jury is out as to whether they should be left or removed!
MARSH MARIGOLDS (Caltha palustris)
FoT's work has made a big impact on the fauna and flora and, instead of being a tangled, overgrown mess, much of the ground has seen the light for the first time in several years. Marsh Marigolds - or, if you prefer, King Cups - have appeared in huge masses, far more than anyone can remember. Many of the areas that were scythed have now been taken over by King Cups as well as areas where there used to be a mass of reeds. A similar change was seen on the west meadow, with a huge contrast between where it had been scythed, awash with flowers, and a second area - just a few metres away - where it was still a tangled mass with very little colour. NBM May 2022
FoT's work has made a big impact on the fauna and flora and, instead of being a tangled, overgrown mess, much of the ground has seen the light for the first time in several years. Marsh Marigolds - or, if you prefer, King Cups - have appeared in huge masses, far more than anyone can remember. Many of the areas that were scythed have now been taken over by King Cups as well as areas where there used to be a mass of reeds. A similar change was seen on the west meadow, with a huge contrast between where it had been scythed, awash with flowers, and a second area - just a few metres away - where it was still a tangled mass with very little colour. NBM May 2022
WELCOME TO THE LESSER CELANDINE (Ficaria verna)
One of the earliest flowers to appear on Tuckmill Meadow is the Lesser Celandine. They generally start to appear around 21st February and give a welcome dash of colour to the gloom of winter. The appearance of the little flower is also true to the notes of the naturalist Gilbert White who, at the end of the 18th century, wrote about their appearance in his Hampshire village on that exact date. Hence the 21st February is known as 'Celandine Day'. It was also a favourite of the poet William Wordsworth who wrote, "There's a flower that shall be mine, 'Tis the little Celandine".
The Lesser Celandine is a member of the buttercup family and like the buttercup its bloom is bright yellow. Celandine flowers are star-shaped with rosettes of glossy dark green, long stalked leaves. They appear in several places on the reserve, the largest clusters being at the top end of the marsh meadow just down from the car park.
The Lesser Celandine is a member of the buttercup family and like the buttercup its bloom is bright yellow. Celandine flowers are star-shaped with rosettes of glossy dark green, long stalked leaves. They appear in several places on the reserve, the largest clusters being at the top end of the marsh meadow just down from the car park.
As one of the first flowers to appear after winter, lesser celandines provide an important nectar source for queen bumblebees and other pollinators emerging from hibernations, as well as other early insects. Its appearance in late February, around the same time that swallows usually arrive, has given the flower its name - chelidonia being the Latin name for swallow.
It was once thought that you could use lesser celandines to predict the weather as they close their petals before rain. The leaves are high in vitamin C and have been used to prevent scurvy. As its common names - 'Pilewort' and 'Figwort' - suggest, celandine root was used as a haemarrhoid treatment and an ointment of the roots was said to cure corns and worts.
It was once thought that you could use lesser celandines to predict the weather as they close their petals before rain. The leaves are high in vitamin C and have been used to prevent scurvy. As its common names - 'Pilewort' and 'Figwort' - suggest, celandine root was used as a haemarrhoid treatment and an ointment of the roots was said to cure corns and worts.
WILDLIFE
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.
WILDLIFE
DISCOVER ABUNDANT AQUATIC ANIMALS
FoT aims to protect the aquatic animals that abound at Tuckmill 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 aims to protect the aquatic animals that abound at Tuckmill 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 while you're at Tuckmill.
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 while you're at Tuckmill.
BECOME INVOLVED
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY OUT 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 OUT 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
WILDLIFE
BAT SURVEY OF TUCKMILL
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.
BAT SURVEY OF TUCKMILL
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.
WILDLIFE
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.
WILDLIFE
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, just over the parish boundary into Watchfield, which gives our nature 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, just over the parish boundary into Watchfield, which gives our nature 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!
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.