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Research

Wytham Woods are one of the most researched areas of woodland in the world. We have a wealth of long term biological data, with bird data dating back since 1947, badger data for over 30 years and climate change data since 2005. Although the majority of the research activity is Oxford-based, any organisation can utilise the site. Current research projects are investigating subjects including climate change, blue and great tits, badgers, bats and small mammals.

You can find out more about some of these projects below.

We are aware that a number of research projects require the use of drones. For our rules regarding this, please visit the Drone Flying page on the research menu of this website.

Image of a Blue tit bird perched on a tree branch covered in moss and lichen, blue tit has bright yellow chest feathers with blue and white feather over the head

Wytham Tit project

Studying wild birds in Wytham Woods since 1947.
Badger

WildCRU's Badger Project

WildCRU's Badger Project has proven invaluable in collecting a wealth of fundamental ecological data for over 30 years.
Photo of the Marley Fen peatland

Marley Fen

A 10,000 year old peat-based calcareous or alkaline hillside spring-fed fen.
genome

Wytham Genome project

The group formed in 2019 with the purpose of sequencing the full genome of each species at Wytham Woods.
A photograph of a Batman hoverfly settled upon a leaf.

Pollinator Monitoring

Regular monitoring of pollinators ranging from bees to moths is carried out at Wytham Woods.