Banbury Ornithological Society - 1842 - Bird List in The History of Banbury, Beesley

Alfred Beesley published his mammoth volume on the history of Banbury in 1842. In the rear of the book is a list of the birds of the area, along with mammals and plants. This systematic list is one of the first published in the area and is of ornithological interest for the status comments and for the local names in use at the time.

Beesley was not an ornithologist and did not seek out expert opinion to verify the list he published. However, most of these species have been recorded in subsequent years by more authorative sources. The following document is an extract of the species list found on pages 600-604 of his book.

Bird List in The History of Banbury, Beesley, 1842

Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury visited the BOS reserve at Balscote Quarry recently, to see conservation in action. Steve Holliday, one of the site wardens said, “Balscote may be a small site (6ha) but, through positive management, it holds Red List birds such as Lapwing and Yellowhammer, 24 species of butterfly and much more." We looked at the vital role volunteers play in habitat management on site and, in light of BOS data on local bird declines, how we can develop a more joined-up approach to nature conservation locally. We finished by discussing how new proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill can benefit, not harm, biodiversity.

A walk round Farnborough Lakes and Woodland

Take Main Street into Farnborough from the A423 – the Southam to Banbury road - where Rachel and Gary will meet us at the Village Hall, (post code: OX17 1ED) where there is parking for about 10 cars. Please car share where possible and park responsibly in the village if the car park is full.

The walk from the Village Hall is less than half a mile downhill to the lakes. Those who would prefer a shorter walk or to avoid walking back up the hill later may like to park in the National Trust carpark at the bottom of the hill by the side of the lakes. Wait there for the main group to join you. Read more ...

1842 - Bird List in The History of Banbury, Beesley

Sean Woodcock MP visits Balscote Quarry

Outdoor Meeting: 10 August 2026 @ 7pm