Rushy Common

Information kindly provided by John Melling.

For an approximate location map, click here.

A recently established reserve with a large hide overlooking a flooded gravel pit with access to a network of public footpaths in the Lower Windrush Valley. An attractive area to see a good range of species with ducks, grebes, terns and gulls on the pit and a selection of passerines in the extensive amenity planting. The pit is becoming a reliable site for Red-crested Pochard (up to 30 on occasion), with breeding Common Tern, Barn Owl and Oystercatcher. Raptors, in season, can include Peregrine and Hobby.

SP383073

From B4449: Turn north near the Stanton Harcourt turn, signposted Cogges.

From B4022 in east Witney: Take Stanton Harcourt Road. Park in reserve car park near Gill Mill.

From the car park, a gravel path leads to the hide which is accessed with a key obtained from the Lower Windrush Valley Project (01865 815426) for a small charge. (This key also allows access to the hides at Standlake Common). On leaving the reserve near the gate to the hide, you can access a network of permissive and public footpaths including the Tar Lakes amenity area, a number of other gravel pits and the River Windrush, and eventually the Windrush Path.

Breeding Common Tern and Oystercatcher. Wintering waterfowl including Red-crested Pochard.

A number of the nearby pits have significant interest including Dix Pit, Witney Lake and Standlake Common.

John Melling