Cholsey
There are two separate birding spots near Cholsey village - Cholsey Hill and Cholsey Marsh. For an approximate location map, click here.
Cholsey Hill
| General |
This outlier of the Downs is known as a raptor watchpoint, although patience may be required. There are extensive views in all directions. |
| Grid Reference | Approx. SU578878 |
| Access |
An unfenced minor road from Aston Upthorpe to Cholsey village leads over the hill; there is a public footpath leading away to the north, but it is seldom necessary to leave the road. |
| Directions and parking |
From Cholsey village: (just off the A329 between Wallingford and Streatley) follow Church Road past the church. Cholsey Hill is a low hill, usually covered by crops. One or two rough pull-ins are available for parking. Alternatively, follow minor roads from Didcot via Aston Upthorpe. |
| Public transport |
Cholsey station (1 mile) is served by local services between Didcot and Reading. |
| Recent rarities |
Honey Buzzard, September 1996; Montagu's Harrier, May 1995, May 1996 and August 1997; Marsh Harrier, May and June 1995, September 1996; Red Kite, May 1995; Merlin (6 records, 1995-1999); Peregrine, January and December 1997. The site is also noted for Quail (often heard in summer, but rarely seen) and Corn Bunting. |
| Nearby sites |
Cholsey Marsh, Dorchester, Churn. |
| Author | Dave Dunford |
Cholsey Marsh
| General | |
| Grid Reference | Approx. SU602858 |
| Access | |
| Directions and parking | |
| Public transport | |
| Recent rarities | Garganey, May 1998; Water Rail (5 records, 1995-1999). |
| Nearby sites |
Cholsey Hill Dorchester, Churn. |
A Corncrake was heard calling near Cholsey village in spring 1999, and a Dipper (an Oxfordshire rarity) was reported from a ditch in the area in January 1996, but neither was in a recognised birding locality.