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Wytham Woods
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maytime_Bluebells.JPG https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Important_deadwood.JPG https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Summer_dappling.jpg

Wytham Woods or the Woods of Hazel are an area of ancient semi-natural woodland to the west of Oxford, UK, owned by the University of Oxford and used for environmental research. The Woods were bequeathed to Oxford University in 1942 by the ffennel family, after the death of their only daughter, Hazel. The University agreed to maintain the natural beauty of the Woods, to allow their continued use for education and research, and that the woods be enjoyed by the inhabitants of Oxford. The Woodland is about 390ha and contains a variety of habitats including ancient semi-natural woodland, secondary woodland and plantations as well as calcareous grasslands, a valley side mire, an arable weed plot and a variety of ponds. The SSSI citation states that the site has an exceptionally rich flora and fauna, with over 500 species of vascular plants and 800 species of butterflies and moths. The Woods are one of the most researched areas of woodland in the world. Wytham has a wealth of long term biological data, with bird data dating back for over sixty years, badger data for over thirty years and climate change data for the last eighteen years. Although the majority of the research activity is Oxford based, any organisation can utilise the site. Applications for projects are made via Research Permit Application forms Walking permits are available to anyone who wishes to apply. There are over thirty kilometres of rides to explore, please note that no dogs are allowed, or bicycles as a throughfare. Permits:www.wytham.ox.ac.uk Guided walks/events can be booked/requested via the Conservator: wytham.woods@admin.ox.ac.uk.

Wytham Woods is the laboratory with leaves:
http://www.oxfordtoday.ox.ac.uk/culture/videos-podcasts-galleries/laboratory-leaves-2.

''Publication: OUP ISBN 978-0-19-960518-7 'Wytham woods. Oxfords Ecological Laboratory' Peter Savill, Christopher Perrins, Keith Kirby and Nigel Fisher. June 2011''.

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