Council Answers Residents’ Questions Regarding Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve

Thame Town Council was recently approached by members of the Chiltern Vale Residents Association to provide answers to a number of questions regarding Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve:

1. Please confirm the legal basis behind the Councillor’s comment that access to Cuttle Brook from houses is illegal.

We understand that residents may feel strongly about having access to the Nature Reserve from their homes. However, it’s important to note that private access gates have not been installed with permission from Thame Town Council (TTC), which owns the land, which means there is no legal right of access.

To illustrate, consider a scenario where a neighbour installs a gate into another’s garden without permission. While it might initially be tolerated, future changes in neighbours could lead to disputes or the perception that an easement has been formed.

By recording again that the gates are not legally authorised, and as landowners, TTC has not authorised the access, we can protect the Nature Reserve for future generations and prevent potential disputes should the gates ever need to be removed.

Furthermore, unauthorised interference with the land, plants or habitats is likely a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

As with all Council land, TTC must manage Cuttle Brook in the interest of the entire community rather than solely for the benefit of adjoining landowners.

 

2. Where, why, and on what basis will you be planting brambles in Cuttle Brook? There are concerns regarding a gap in the brambles on the lower field.

We have never planned to plant brambles on the reserve deliberately. Instead, our approach has always been to create the right conditions for plants and animals to establish and thrive naturally.

Brambles naturally play an important role in supporting biodiversity. For example, brambles play a crucial role as a pioneer plant, offering a protected nursery ground that shields young plants from browsing animals like deer, rabbits, and squirrels, allowing various species to establish themselves. They also provide valuable cover for various small animals, including mammals, birds, and invertebrates.

Additionally, brambles are a valuable food source for those who enjoy blackberrying and a range of butterflies and other insects.

We acknowledge concerns about the gap in brambles on the lower field and its potential impact on wildlife movement. The mowed section has disrupted the vital continuity of cover, limiting the ability of creatures to safely move across the reserve without the risk of predation as they must now cross larger, open spaces.

While we won’t be planting brambles directly, we will allow them to regenerate naturally in areas where they play an essential role in supporting biodiversity. The only planned planting will involve seeding the landscaped soil, which, while not a common practice, is not without precedent. This will ensure that the reserve remains a thriving habitat for all.

 

3. Why are you allowing the Cuttle Brook volunteers to cut off access to some of the fields? Residents feel as though the Nature Reserve is supposed to be available for the public, and nature should not be prioritised over recreation.

The Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve was established with conservation at its heart. In 1994, it was formally designated as a Local Nature Reserve under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Part III of the Act outlines that while recreational use is included, it should not compromise conservation efforts. Therefore, we have a legal duty to prioritise nature first wherever possible.

While nature must take priority, we aim to balance conservation and recreation wherever possible. For example, we have recently closed the access to Nontron Meadow from Spring Path only, but the Oxford Road entrance to this area remains open. We will be installing fences and a gate with the intention of keeping dogs out of this meadow only, and we hope that dog walkers will respect our reasons for this, as we are working hard to re-establish our water voles—an important and endangered species that are considered “ecosystem engineers” as they help control the growth of aquatic plants.

If this measure proves insufficient, we may need to consider full closure to Nontron Meadow only, but we are hoping to avoid this. We understand that restricting access may be frustrating, and we consider this carefully before implementing any changes. However, Nontron represents about 7% or 8% of the reserve, and limiting access to this vital meadow does not seem excessive as a way of fulfilling our legal duties.

We also reluctantly plan to install fencing around the new scrape by Watkins Bridge due to the impact of dogs. These scrapes have minimal flow and are particularly vulnerable to pollution from neonicotinoids coming off dogs that have been treated against fleas or ticks. Once this pollutant gets into the water, it could wipe out the bees, beetles and other insects that we hope to attract, and the only way to get rid of it will be to dredge out more subsoil.

It is very noticeable at this time of year that we have no skylarks singing over the reserve. The meadows should be used to support them. It is only the superabundance of dogs that has moved them off the reserve. Again, a small restriction on dog access seems a small price to pay to try to balance the nature/dog access conflict in favour of conservation.

We will regularly review these restrictions and welcome feedback from residents as we continue to manage Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve in the best interests of both wildlife and the community.

 

4. Why was I not informed of any of the works that have been happening in Cuttle Brook?

The proposed works were outlined in the Nature Reserve Management Plan, which underwent a six-week consultation process. This consultation was widely publicised through various channels, including social media, the website, the TTC Newsletter, and a direct link sent to the neighbours of the Nature Reserve in December 2024—specifically those who had requested to be added to the mailing list related to local flooding issues. The consultation was also discussed at a public council meeting.

In addition, notices about the upcoming works were posted on-site for two weeks, with nine notices displayed. Further updates on the path closures and the commencement of the works were communicated through the same TTC methods. The plans were also discussed at an open meeting held at the Town Hall in November, where representatives from the River Thame Conservation Trust and Cuttle Brook Conservation Volunteers (CBCV) provided additional information.

Despite these efforts, we understand that some residents may have missed the information. While we continually look for ways to improve our communication strategies, residents have always been advised to follow official channels for locally important announcements and consultations. We encourage you to subscribe to the TTC Newsletter and follow our social media channels for future updates.

 

5. Please explain exactly what is going to happen about dogs and walking in Cuttle Brook, and if you do ban something, how will you enforce this?

Thame Town Council aims to strike a balance between providing access for responsible dog walkers and protecting the sensitive wildlife habitats within Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve. Commercial dog walking is not considered a recreational activity under the Countryside Act and, therefore, must be restricted. The enforcement process will need to be investigated and approved by the council.

There is an inherent conflict between unrestricted dog access and conservation efforts. In certain areas designated as ‘nature first,’ we will look to limit dog access. However, most of the reserve will remain open to responsible dog walkers. As the reserve is a designated nature site, all dogs must be kept on a lead. It is also for the enjoyment of other nature reserve users who don’t like dogs, and, as always, we would expect responsible dog owners to clean up after their pets in all areas of the reserve.

We are developing a comprehensive dog management strategy, which will include consultation with local dog walkers. This strategy will aim to minimise the impact of dog walking on wildlife while ensuring continued access for those wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the reserve.

 

6. How do I become a volunteer?

Becoming a volunteer is easy! Simply turn up at the Scout HQ car park on the third Sunday or last Wednesday of each month at 10:00am, preferably wearing Wellington boots and gardening gloves. All you need is enthusiasm and a propensity for hard work. CBCV provides tea and biscuits at around 11:30am as a token of their appreciation! It’s a fantastic way to contribute to the community and help maintain this valuable natural resource.

 

7. Are the current paths in Cuttle Brook going to be kept open?

With the exception of Nontron Meadow (see answer No. 3), we will continue to manage a core network of paths, but it should be recognised that there is constant pressure for more and more paths, often into ecologically sensitive areas – such as the path down to the fish refuge.
Where paths are damaging to the conservation interest of the reserve, we will seek to restrict them. All the core paths around the reserve will, however, remain. It is worth noting that the only statutory path across the reserve is Spring Path; all others are permissive paths.
We are exploring the idea of creating an information trail—potentially using QR codes—to help raise awareness and educate people about the local natural environment.

 

8. Why doesn’t the big field have multiple dog poo bins?

We will review the number and locations of bins, but increasing the number of bins (dog waste or general waste) could potentially increase the cost to the whole of Thame or reduce funds that could be spent on other amenities. Dog owners could take their bags home with them and put them in their domestic bins or use any general waste bin (Thame’s waste goes to waste for energy).
The deposits of dog waste left in the meadows mean that the council cannot sell the hay harvested there, so mowing becomes a significant annual expense rather than an income generator as it used to be. We encourage all dog owners to be responsible and use existing bins or take waste home to help us maintain the reserve effectively.

 

9. Please can we have clarity on who owns and is in charge of Cuttle Brook?

Thame Town Council (TTC) is the owner and accountable for the reserve. Cuttle Brook Conservation Volunteers (CBCV) carry out work that is in the approved Management Plan. The management of the reserve and the works carried out upon it are subject to regular review by the reserve management committee, including a council representative reporting to the Council and through an annual site visit of TTC staff and councillors led by the volunteers.