SSSI

OXHOUSE FARM SSSI south of Combrook, off the Fosse way. Entrance SP 291508. 8 ha (20 acres) Privately owned. Access by prior agreement of the owner outside the nesting season. A disused railway line and traditional meadows in the valley of the River Dene. The farm provides a wonderful mosaic of habitats for birds, plants & butterflies. Park at the farm (SP 300507) accessed from Fosse Way. Contact: Mary Neal, 01789 740278

River

Walks

There is a large network of footpaths & bridleways accessible from the cottage. All walkers can be accommodated from serious hikes to relaxing rambles barely seeing another sole all day if desired. Ordnance Survey maps are available to borrow from the cottage. If biking is your thing, The Green Lane near Stratford upon Avon is an especially designated safe car free cycle route.

Disused Railway

Animals

There is an abundance of wildlife within the vacinity of Long Ground Barn. Herds of up to 50 deer can be seen if lucky. Badgers live and breed in the adjacent wood. Foxes happily roam looking for their next meal. Hares can frequently be seen alone or in pairs. There's even been a large black cat spotted on on a couple of occasions, four years apart. With the SSI next door and a large area of undisturbed land with a disused railway line running through it,this is ideal country for all sorts of wildlife.

Birds

Many bird species can be spotted. Buzzards. Barn Owls, Wood Peckers, Little Owls, many common species ( watch the buzzards and crows chase each other in an aerial display of bravado )

Woodland