Bear Wood is a new project to create an oak dominated woodland on the banks of the River Thames. All of the work has been funded through the generous donations of our permit holders.
This woodland can be found by the north-west corner of Wytham Woods, located between the Thames (Isis) and the current woodland boundary. Bear Wood, named after the hill which rises up alongside, has a vital role in the future of Wytham and its surrounding environment, which includes extracting and storing carbon dioxide from the air and providing a habitat for a wealth of wildlife.
This is a new Oak plantation, and was planted in autumn 2025 by the local community, with home grown acorns. Previous to the planting, we gave away acorns from selected ancient oaks to grow for a few years at home, before bringing their oaklings to plant in this re landscaped space.
Approximately 150 Oaklings were planted, with a variety of dedications and sentiments, by the community people.
This land is University owned, but has two footpaths running through it - one being The Thames Path.
Access is footpath only, a path from the Toll bridge via a path near the bus stop. Eynsham Lock has no vehicle access.
The site has been fenced to keep deer out, and footpaths have been cleared. Insect hotels have been made and installed in the blossom planted areas. Further work will include interpretation signs, nest boxes and habitat management.
Wildlife
There is plenty to see due to the Thames (Isis) river.The area was formerly scrub, cleared partially by the rights of way. There are no notable species but in all probability the larger existing oak trees are home to local bat species, there are signs of local badgers, a variety of waterbirds, kingfishers and evidence of fishing by otters.
The flora and fauna have suffered a disturbance event from scrub clearance and landscaping, so it will be interesting to watch it grow and flourish in the coming years. The insect hotels will be a suitable refuge as the land regenerates (left image).
We have installed Chronolog photo posts to help document this progress using time lapse photos from walkers.
Chronolog posts
Bear Wood 1: Located downstream from Eynsham Lock, just past the gate.
Bear Wood 2: Located downstream from Eynsham Lock, midpoint of the wood upslope on the parallel footpath that boarders the arable field of Bear Hill.
Bear Wood 3: Located upstream from the farm fields of Northfield, just past the gates, looking past a raised concrete plinth for a drainage pipe.
Area Map of Bear Wood:
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