For half a century Aston Rowant Nature Reserve has given pleasure to thousands of visitors, as well as protecting important flora and wildlife

This month Aston Rowant Nature Reserve celebrates its 50th anniversary. The South Oxfordshire habitat was designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1958 to protect its chalk grassland rich in flowers, its beech woodland and juniper scrub.

More people than ever are enjoying the reserve which has attracted more than 2,500 visitors in the past two years.

Jenny Crook, community liaison officer at the NNR, said: “I am delighted to welcome so many new visitors to the reserve and to help them discover what this site has to offer as a learning resource, a place to exercise and a place to relax."

Reserves designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) by Natural England, such as Aston Rowant, are internationally significant and safeguarded under European law.

Aston Rowant sits on the steep west-facing scarp of the Chilterns. It has a long history of sheep and rabbit grazing, and combined with nutrient-poor soil has led to a rich wildflower flora. Plants found include Chiltern gentian, dwarf thistle, dropwort, clustered bellflower and the rare clustered bellflower.

The grassland is also home to frog, bee, pyramidal and fragrant orchids.

Bluebell carpets can be seen here in spring and rare plants found include violet helleborine and wood barley.

A range of invertebrates is found here including many national rarities. Butterflies include the dark green and Duke of Burgundy fritillary, chalkhill blue, brown argus and silver-spotted skipper.

Many rare insects are associated with juniper and the reserve is managed to encourage juniper growth. The scrub is also an important habitat for birds including wheatear, wood warbler, whitethroats, blackcap and hawfinch.

Red kites are now a familiar sight at the reserve. The woods are also home to chiffchaff, treecreeper, brambling, tawny owl and nuthatch.

“Over the past 50 years, the NNR has seen great change," said Jenny. "It has grown to six times its original size. In 1971 the M40 cut right through the NNR and a significant policy change in 1994 allowed us to open up access across the whole NNR.

“Ten years ago, the NNR went organic and over the past two years we have focussed on engaging local communities. Right now, our Chiltern gentians are at their best, enhancing the wonderful natural beauty of this part of Oxfordshire.”

Aston Rowant is managed by Natural England, with support for community involvement coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It hosts school visits throughout the year. Anniversary celebrations have taken place throughout the summer, the highlight being the Sounds Like Summer event which attracted more than 400 people from across the county.

About 700 children visited the NNR this summer with schools and play schemes. Watlington Primary School brought all of their pupils for a full day of fun and learning, where each class had their own itinerary including adventure trails, minibeast safaris and sensory games. Future events include Fungitastic, on Saturday, October 18, and the annual Lantern Walk on Sunday, December 7. For further information about the community engagement project or events at the reserve call Jenny on 01844 351833 or email jenny.crook@naturalengland.org.uk