Plans for Rycote Meadow Move Ahead

On Wednesday 26th June, Cuttle Brook Conservation Volunteers began digging a new wetland scrape at Rycote Meadow. The scrape is not a pond as such and will not directly link to the Cuttle Brook, however, it will provide a more aquatic nature conducive to smaller creatures and plants.

On completion of the scrape, the next phase of the project will be the construction of a footpath to give public access from Oxford Road to the rear of the site. This will link to the Thame Meadows Estate and footpath access to the River Thame beyond.

The Rycote Meadow project is a partnership between Thame Green Living, Cuttle Brook Conservation Volunteers, and Thame Town Council, with advice from River Thame Conservation Trust and Wild Oxfordshire. The project has been funded through Section 106 funds from the Thame Meadows development off Oxford Road, and Trust for Oxfordshire Environment funding.

An Area Rich in Biodiversity
 
Rycote Meadow is bordered by the Cuttle Brook and is floodplain meadow, home to a rich variety of plant species and animals that depend upon them. A number of conservationists and conservation bodies, such as the River Thame Conservation Trust, Wild Oxfordshire, the Cuttle Brook Local Nature Reserve, and the RSPB, have commented on the importance of the site.

Consequently, the path will be fenced along the side bordering the meadow in order to protect the rich biodiversity that it contains.
 
The Rycote Meadow works are expected to take two months to complete. We ask that you do not access the site until after it is officially open as it will not be safe for access whilst work is taking place.

Click here for the latest updates about the project.