Nature Reserve Nature Reserve
The Nature Reserve is one of our newest developments here at Oxford Zoo. It is a break from traditional zoo-keeping in that there are no enclosures, cages, or paths anywhere to be seen! Instead, it is open land in which we have developed and cultivated the sort of habitats which will attract domestic wild birds, insects, and small animals. The park landscape is quite varied: it is made up of meadow, field, forest, lake and marshland.
Since the project began in 1990, each year has seen an increased number of Canada geese and swans settling in the park. This summer we have six pairs of swans nesting and rearing their cygnets! We are also very pleased with our population of frogs and fish, which indicate that the water plants are keeping the lake clean in spite of the city pollution.
The Nature Reserve is not geographically part of Oxford Zoo, but is managed by the Zoo Conservation and Environment staff. It is open to all and provides a valuable resource for Oxford residents and visitors in the form of a refuge from the busy city.
Much of the maintenance of the Nature Reserve is carried out by volunteers. If you would like to help, please email our conservation staff.
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Updated: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 9:21 AM