Annual rose ceremony at Wittenham Clumps

A rose has been presented by the Chair of Oxfordshire County Council to the Earth Trust in honour of an historic agreement allowing public access to Wittenham Clumps and Little Wittenham Nature Reserve.

Since February 1970, the ‘Wittenham Rose’ has been presented as a peppercorn rent to landowners at Little Wittenham. It is a symbolic gesture which allows ongoing access for the general public to the woods, pastureland and round hills of the reserve.

When the agreement was drawn up in 1970 the area was still in Berkshire. Since 1974 Oxfordshire County Council has presented the rose. This year’s event was on Tuesday, 1 July.

Increasing access to the countryside

Councillor Mark Lygo, Chair of Oxfordshire County Council said: “Since 1970, this relationship has enabled the people of Oxfordshire to enjoy open access to the Wittenham Clumps—one of the most iconic and expansive green spaces in our county. It is a place where people can connect with nature, breathe deeply, and experience the countryside in its most inspiring form.

“The Earth Trust’s commitment to helping people connect with the natural world is something we at the County Council wholeheartedly support. Their vision—to inspire people to care for and protect our environment—is more important now than ever.

“While many of us may take access to the countryside for granted, we must not overlook what it takes to preserve and protect it. It requires expertise, dedication, and crucially, funding.”

The Earth Trust and Wittenham Clumps

Since 1982 the Earth Trust has managed the area around Wittenham Clumps and the surrounding farmland, grassland and woodlands. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, because of its grassland and significant population of great crested newts.

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