Events | 7 September 10am – 5pm STOP PRESS: Extra Open Day

07th September 2025

We are happy to announce the reserve will be open for an extra day on Sunday, 7 September 2025. We’ll be opening the gates 10am – 5pm.

Please do come and enjoy the freedom and joy of being in the outdoors at Withymead. It was just too disappointing to end the year with a ‘reserve closed’!

Spend some time in nature and enjoy the reserve at its blowsy late summer/early autumn best. Remember to stop by the welcome shelter where you’ll find our Wardens, more information about the reserve and things to buy.

Entry to the reserve is free – but donations are welcome.

We still advise that you also check @withymead on social media in case we have to close at short notice due to inclement weather.

P.S. To protect wildlife and habitats, dogs (other than assistance dogs) are not allowed on the reserve. They are welcome at the study centre side if kept under control and on a lead.

The branches of a willow tree are just coming into leaf, with the branch tips grazing the water of the river Thames. There is a slight ripple in the water, from passing boats. A languid, spring day.

07th September 2025

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Close up of a small elephant hawk moth resting on a fallen tree branch. We see it from its underside, with one outstretched wing visible, and the hairs on its furry body. It looks at us with one of its eyes: are we friend or foe?

09th June 2025

Events | 3 August 10am – 5pm Citizen Science Sunday

Join us today at our last Citizen Science Sunday of the year. Open 10am – 5pm. It’s a special one!

Join ecologist Dr Marc Botham from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology between 10am – 12noon to see what he has found in his moth trap from Saturday night and find out all about the wonderful world of moths!

Bring a picnic, refreshments, and enjoy the reserve at its blowsy summer best.

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Two men look at a specimen in a very small container being held by one of them in his fingertips.

09th June 2025

Events | 6 July 10am – 5pm Citizen Science Sunday

Join us today at our Citizen Science Sunday. Open 10am – 5pm. With our expert volunteers on hand between 10am-12noon, find out how to become an citizen scientist and record your findings.

Bring a picnic, refreshments, and enjoy the reserve at the height of summer.

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01st June 2025

Events | 8 June 11am – 3pm Free art workshops with ‘Life on the Thames’ author & illustrator Emma Shoard

Join us to find out more about the amazing river wildlife around Goring and learn how to create beautiful animal illustrations using colour and collage with Emma Shoard, illustrator and author of the wonderful ‘Life on the Thames’ children’s book. The workshops are suitable for ages 5+, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Materials are kindly provided by Goring Arts Society.

‘Life on the Thames’ takes young readers on a journey from the source to the sea, exploring habitats and celebrating species along the way. Signed copies of Emma’s book will also be available to buy!

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