Shotover Country Park — Attraction in South Oxfordshire

This is a quickie review about the Shotover section of Old Road. It’s an excuse to show some of my favourite views of this part of Shotover and some of the countryside which can now been seen to the north of Old Road. In the past, it was much more difficult getting access to such views but these days they are much more accessible. I would say this has been one of the biggest changes to Shotover over the last couple of decades.

Shotover Countryside Park is categorized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. I have no idea about the ecological value of this park. My primary interest is that it plays a major role in extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and thus stabilizing the climate.

Scientists tell us we are in a climate emergency. In my opinion, what this means is that the ecological aspects of this park are secondary to its contribution to the stabilization of the climate. This will continue to be the case until humans have managed to stabilize the climate.

When people talk about a climate emergency I tend to feel this is just another manifestation of their anthropocentrism - humans supposedly playing a heroic role in putting the climate back to what it was.

In reality, what is at stake is not the climate but whether humans have the ability to survive and flourish i.e. our humanity. At present we acting too much like those legendary frogs - luxuriating in the warmth as the temperatures continue to rise. In my opinion, as the Earth’s life support system disintegrates there is nothing to stop it from developing a runaway global burning climate like its Venetian sibling.

When I explore any green site I relish its aesthetics but my primary focus of concern is the degree to which it is fulfilling its capability for stabilizing the climate. If maximizing this capability means impairing the views that I enjoy so much, then so be it.

Oxford needs to become more like Shotover rather than Shotover becoming more like Oxford. Let Forests grow on the Meadows.

I’m hoping to do a second review of Shotover focussing...

An absolutely beautiful, massive place to get away from it all, and lost in!

It is well sign posted so even I fared well, which is saying A LOT!

Lots of varying walks, and difficulties to go on. Whatever you choose, appropriate clothing, and suitable sturdy footwear is advisable!

All are welcome, and it's a great place to walk the dogs. As always, please be courteous, and mindful human companion.

We thoroughly enjoyed hiking through the woods, appreciating the greenery. The information dotted about the place is really helpful, and good to know too. We will certainly return more regularly.

Alas, the "road" leading up to shotover is still in a hideous state of disrepair, very steep, narrow, and generally unpleasant. Please drive slowly and carefully!

There is ample parking at the top, and some bins for any rubbish.

Benches are dotted around the place. As are signs, information, and volunteer schemes to get involved in.

In my opinion, it isn't suitable for buggies or wheelchair users.

Also, no toilets nearby!

If you need the toilet, the nearest one will be one of the couple pubs but these are subject to their opening hours.

That's is only detractor.

As always, if you see us, please stop and say hello. We're always delighted to...

sadly the rangers pathetic efforts with so called conservation volunteers are destroying the habitat of animals and flora.... swathes of bluebell valley and silver birches all destroyed leaving a scorched barren waste land .. silver birch tress chopped in half because the ranger dislikes silver birches.. he has destroyed all of the rabbit warrens and no rabbits are left now... the ranger has cleared swathes of wildlife habitats leaving open bare grass.. he has pocketed a fortune in grants from bodies such as English nature etc for his projects ;the nature park is barely recognisable now .. he has ruined acres of a once prisitine haven for wild life.... he is obsessed with heather which is native to ~Scotland and he dug up daffodils as he doesnt personally like daffodils ... basically Ivan and co are destroying the habitats and making an ugly mess... cutting trees no doubt selling it for wood burners...please take the key away from this vandal who treats Shotover as his...