Help us build a pathway for everyone
Picture an accessible circular boardwalk threading its way through the reedbeds, with a solid and wide bridge over a river inlet, and a nature reserve where everyone – regardless of age or ability – can enjoy the outdoors.
At Withymead, this vision is just within reach, but we need your help.
Why it matters
Withymead is special: an oasis of riverside wildness; a haven for plants and wildlife; a place where Thames-side boat building once thrived. It is a place for joyful exploration and a sanctuary for all who seek solace in nature.
Yet time and weather have worn down our old narrow bridge and boardwalk, making access difficult for people who use pushchairs, prams and wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility. And, due to annual exposure to floodwater, it needs to be replaced before it becomes unsafe for continued use. Without it, we will have to close access to a significant part of the reserve.
Our plan is to install a new 13 metre long custom-designed ‘Bison bridge’, made of recycled plastic (RCP), step free with a sloped entry and exit ramp, plus handrails, and replace 60 metres of old boardwalk with new, also made from recycled plastic (RCP).
By replacing and improving this vital route with a new bridge and boardwalk, and connecting it to another section of boardwalk that was upgraded last year, we can ensure every visitor experiences the freedom and joy of being in the outdoors – without barriers.
Donate Now
What your support will achieve
- A new, accessible boardwalk: like the one on the right; durable, non-slip, and wide enough for everyone
- Safe bridge replacement: step-free, strong and reliable, designed for easy crossing by all visitors
- Circular route: connects to last year’s new section to reinstate the continuous loop through wetland reedbeds
- Preservation of nature: sensitive construction to protect wildlife and habitats
- Inspiration: a legacy of inclusivity through accessible community spaces and sensitive environmental stewardship
The difference you will make
Your support will help make our reserve accessible for everyone – including explorers, those who value quiet spaces, and for those for whom accessibility is too often an obstacle. With your generosity, everyone will be able to step into nature at Withymead.
Donate nowHow you can help
We need to raise £115,104 so that everyone can step into nature
Donate today: every pound brings us closer to a more accessible nature reserve
We have partnered with The Good Exchange, a local free online match funding service for charities, managed by the Greenham Trust, to help us raise the money needed. The good news is that the more we raise, the greater chance your donation will be match-funded by through the service.
Share our story: spread the word among friends, family, and on social media
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and like, love and share our posts giving regular updates on our fundraising campaign and events, and what’s happening on the reserve and at Little Meadow.
Get involved: take part in one of our fundraising activities and events
Watch out for our ‘Withymead on tour’ events including coffee shops at Woodcote and Whitchurch-on-Thames, buy a raffle ticket, book a table at our first ever Withymead Nature Reserve quiz, and support us at our regular onsite reserve events. We look forward to welcoming you!
Do your own fundraising: take up a challenge or plan your own fundraising event
Are you someone who likes a challenge? Run a half or full marathon, swim a swimathon, hike the heights of Oxfordshire in aid of our campaign. Like cooking and baking? Host a coffee morning or a wine and cheese evening. Have an office ‘Make it Wild for Withymead’ day with themed bakes and quizzes – we can give a ‘Lunch and Learn Talk’ too. Get in touch and we’ll support you to make it happen.
Volunteer: whatever time you can give, join our fundraising and events team
You can be a people-person, a team player, someone who likes to work quietly in the background, good with getting things done and willing to get stuck in? There’s room for everyone in helping to bring our project to fruition. Just get in touch!
Donate now
Thank you
Image credits:
Phil Rooney
Janet Tuppen
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