Nature features

Once part of the ancient Wychwood Forest, this tranquil woodland nature reserve sloping down to the River Evenlode has wildlife interest and colour all year round. Together with its centuries old oak and beech, as well as ash coppice, plantation and woodland rides, there is a wet meadow, ponds and more open areas that used to be heathland. 

In May it is awash with bluebells that attract visitors from all around. By summer the tall spikes of foxgloves are in their full glory joining the pale heath spotted-orchid.

Gavin Hageman and Jo Thoenes

Later in the year, there are spectacular autumn colours. Foxholes is fabulous for fungi with 200 species recorded. There is also the bright red beechwood sickener (which certainly lives up to its name) poking out from the fallen beech leaves, and the fly agaric - the classic red and white fairytale toadstool.

The stretch of wet meadow alongside the River Evenlode has its own wildlife highlights. Plant species include great burnet, devils-bit scabious and marsh speedwell. You may be treated to a blue streak of kingfisher at the river's edge. Mallard and other water birds nest here, and large numbers of snipe overwinter.

Clink on the links below to join the BBOWT's Gavin Hageman and BBC Oxford's Jo Thoenes as they take a walk through Foxholes Wood.