RSPB reserve · Beckley, Oxfordshire

Otmoor birdwatching guide

Otmoor is one of the most complete lowland wet grassland restorations in England, converted from arable farmland into reedbed, wet meadow and shallow pools. Breeding lapwing, redshank and snipe have returned in numbers, bitterns now winter in the reedbed, and the autumn starling murmuration over the moor draws crowds from Oxford.

Key facts

Habitat
wetland
Size
Not recorded
Entry fee (adult)
Not published
Entry fee (child)
Not published
Membership required
No
Hides
Not published
Wheelchair access
Not verified
Car park
Yes
Toilets
No
Dogs
Not allowed
Status
open
Best seasons
spring, autumn, winter

Species by season

SeasonSpeciesLikelihoodNotes
springBittern (Botaurus stellaris)frequentBooming males in the reedbed from March
springLapwing (Vanellus vanellus)common
springRedshank (Tringa totanus)frequent
winterBittern (Botaurus stellaris)occasional
winterSnipe (Gallinago gallinago)common

Getting there

Beckley, Oxfordshire

View on OpenStreetMap · Official website

Facilities & opening

Opening hours not recorded — check the official website.

Frequently asked questions

When is the starling murmuration at Otmoor?

Usually from late autumn into winter, in the half hour before dusk over the reedbed. Numbers vary year to year, so check recent sightings before travelling.

Nearby reserves (all organisations)

College Lake

Tring, Buckinghamshire · Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust · 34.0 km away

wetlandfee not published

Explore more

Information last updated 25 July 2026.