August 28, 2011
Oxey Mead is one of the most beautiful wild meadows that remain on the outskirts of Oxford. A marvellous place to stumble upon, especially if accessed by the atmospheric walk from the Oxford Canal, off onto Duke's Cut, and thence out onto the meadows which trace the branch of the Thames (which becomes the Wolvercote Mill Stream in the other direction). Best times to visit are between March and August, but this place would no doubt be idilic (although possibly harder to access) at any time of year. Never having been plowed or enclosed it feels timeless and, if you're lucky, herons fly overhead. Stiles and narrow paths mean access can be hard for the less able bodied, but the Conserving Trust BBOWT may be able to help with access to these unique flood plains.