Wild Oakingham

Wild Oakingham is an 80ha (200 acre) site nestled in the Chiltern Hills. Previously a stud farm, the site was handed over to nature in March 2021. This involved an immediate conversion to organic, removal of all internal paddock fencing and cessation of all ploughing/​tilling.

Hedgerows have been encouraged to billow out, ancient woodland to naturally regenerate, dead wood to fall (and remain) and thorny scrub to establish. Light grazing has been introduced by native Longhorn cattle. Wild Oakingham has become a fluffy, messy wilderness, home to a myriad of species and a symphony of birdsong.

KICK-STARTING REWILDING 

Internal fencing has been removed to allow Longhorn cattle to graze across the whole area, creating a mosaic of wood pasture habitats.

NATURE-BASED ENTERPRISES

Whilst no nature-based enterprises currently exist, options are being considered including organic venison sales, Sloe gin production, and eco-tourism trips such as foraging, wreath making, wildlife watching and education programmes.