Once a landfill now a haven. That’s Burgess Field for you. This remarkable Oxford nature reserve wasn’t always a haven for wildlife. Until the early 1980s it served as the City Council’s open landfill site. This explains why Burgess Field sits noticeably higher than the surrounding areas. Imagine the transformation.
Burgess Field’s history is a fascinating blend of industrial past and ecological rebirth. After its closure as a landfill a clay cap was added. Then volunteers led by Anthony Roberts landscaped the area. They planted trees and hedges carefully chosen to attract wildlife. These trees flourished. They now form tall hedges providing crucial cover for nesting birds.
The Friends of Burgess Field group formed in 2018. They work alongside the City Council to improve this precious green space. Their efforts include planting thousands of native trees. They also remove scrub and litter and are establishing a wildflower meadow. All this is thanks to dedicated volunteers. They are funded by donations from the Friends group. The volunteers also maintain paths and trim hedges occasionally.
The origin of Burgess Field’s name is uncertain. The most likely explanation connects it to Godstow Nunnery. Upon completion of the nunnery in 1148 the burgesses endowed the Abbey with land. This land was likely the area we now know as Burgess Field.
Today Burgess Field is a delightful open green space. It’s a magnet for walkers joggers and nature lovers. Dogs are welcome too. The reserve is approximately 30 hectares. It features open grasslands woodland and paths. You can easily spot birds like cuckoos short-eared owls and jack snipes. John Thompson Oxford’s landscape architect is also remembered here with a memorial stone. His vision inspired the nature reserve’s creation. He planted over 10,000 trees in Oxford.
Burgess Field is a testament to community effort and ecological restoration. It’s a place where nature thrives a legacy built on transformation and dedication. A walk through Burgess Field allows you to connect with Oxford’s history. You can experience the beauty of its carefully cultivated wildlife haven. Enjoy your time here.