The Area : Wildlife & Countryside

SSSI OXHOUSE FARM SSSI south of Combrook, off the Fosse way. Entrance SP 291508. 8 ha (20 acres) Privately owned. Access by prior agreement of the owner outside the nesting season. A disused railway line and traditional meadows in the valley of the River Dene. The farm provides a wonderful mosaic of habitats for birds, plants & butterflies. Park at the farm (SP 300507) accessed from Fosse Way. Contact: Mary Neal, 01789 740278   Walks There is a large network of footpaths & bridleways accessible from the site. All walkers can be accommodated from serious hikes to relaxing rambles barely seeing another sole all day if desired. Ordnance Survey maps are available to borrow from the cottage. If biking is your thing, The Green Lane near Stratford upon Avon is an especially designated safe car free cycle route.   Animals There is an abundance of wildlife within the vicinity of the site. Herds of up to 50 deer can be seen if lucky. Badgers live and breed in the adjacent wood. Foxes happily roam looking for their next meal. Hares can frequently be seen alone or in pairs. With the SSI next door and a large area of undisturbed land with a disused railway line running through it,this is ideal country for all sorts of wildlife. Birds Many bird species can be spotted. Buzzards. Barn Owls, Wood Peckers, Little Owls, many common species ( watch the buzzards and crows chase each other in an aerial display of bravado )