Where we are
We are located in the village of Ewelme, near Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
The Watercress Beds Centre is located on The Street, Ewelme, OX10 6HQ. OS Ref:SU641916. what3words: lightly.rephrase.sculpture.
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The site consists of two main areas, upstream and downstream of the village bridge. We welcome visitors and much of the site is open at all times, the exception being the area south east of the visitor centre which is only open on open days and for guided walks.
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The area downstream of the village Bridge has a permissive path through the site. This is an ideal site for sitting peacefully and observing the wildlife. There is a bird screen for observing wildlife.
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The area upstream of the Bridge is accessed beside the Watercress Centre. There is a small seating and picnic site close to the centre, and a path extends downstream for 100m beside the beds; this is accessible at all times.
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Opening Times
Much of the site (both lower and upper parts) is accessible at all times.
The Watercress Centre and the area located on the far side of the stream (over the Nellie Bridge on the upper/upstream site) is accessible only on Open Days.
Open Days and Guided Walks
Open Days
Open days take place from 2 to 4:30 pm on the first Sunday of each month between May and October. A short film will be shown on the watercress industry filmed in the 1950’s. The film will be shown at various times depending on the demand and visitors can either self guide round the site or join one of the guides.
Tea, coffee and cakes are on sale.
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Guided Walks
These take place on the first Sunday of the month between November and April. They start at 10:30 with the film. This is followed by a walk round the upper site with one of our knowledgeable volunteers. The walk lasts about 45 minutes and is about 400m or ¼ mile long.
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This is normally followed by tea/coffee in the visitor centre. There is then an option to visit the lower site, a walk of about 1200m.
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For both Open Days and Guided Walks there is a charge of £3 per adult. Children, Chiltern Society members, and Friends of the Ewelme Watercress Beds are free.
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Booking is not necessary.
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Dates for 2024: 7 January 10:30
4 February 10:30
3 March 10:30
7 April 10:30
5 May 14:00
2 June 14:00
7 July 14:00
4 August 14:00
1 September 14:00
6 October 10:30
3 November 10:30
1 December 10:30
Booking for groups may be made on other dates by arrangement – see Contacts.
Parking
There is no formal parking area but parking is allowed on The Street. There is a village carpark located at the south eastern edge of the village beside the Common.
Workdays
Ewelme Watercress Beds and Local Nature Reserve in maintained by volunteer workers. Workdays (or more correctly work-halfdays) are held on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Volunteers from the Chiltern Society, Green Gym and the Friends of Ewelme Watercress Beds meet at the Watercress Centre at 09:30.
Please come along and support us
We have regular open days throughout the year. (Link to open days). There are a number of other events taking place during the year including:
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A Family Activity Day, held in memory of Dr Anne Millar, will be held on Thursday, August 15th 2024 from 09:30. (Link to details)
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Friends Social Event – Saturday 25th January 2025. (link to details)
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There are also organised workdays (link to workdays) to which members of the public are most welcome to join.
Contacts for Visiting
For Watercress Centre bookings: ann561@btinternet.com
For general visiting equiries: tom.stevenson20@outlook.com