Ewelme Watercress Beds

About Ewelme Watercress Beds

The hub of the British watercress industry in the 20th Century, Ewelme is a picturesque and historical 6.5 acre site which has been owned by the Chiltern Society since 2001 and is conserved beautifully by our volunteers.

Although the site was once an active watercress farm selling produce nationwide until 1988, it is now a nature reserve allowing the local wildlife population to thrive.

The unique aquatic habitat that has been created at Ewelme is a haven for a wide variety of rare and interesting British wildlife. In addition to the watercress, dozens of other plant species exist at Ewelme, further contributing to its natural beauty.

Nestled in the centre of the stunning village of Ewelme, this site is well worth a visit.

Directions

Also on Google Maps and What3Words.

The Centre is alongside the stream half way along The Street, Ewelme between the Shepherds Hut Pub and the Village Hall. This is the upper part of site and has limited opening times, see below. The lower reserve is open at all times and the entrance is located off Benson Road.

Parking: There is no formal parking. Please park away from the Centre to avoid congestion. There is a car park at the Recreation Ground, Cow Common OX10 6PG.

Please make sure you park responsibly! 

Prior to visiting, download our Swyncombe Snowdrop walks leaflet for a local walk. There are also hundreds of other Chiltern Walks Leaflets for you to enjoy.

Please visit the Chiltern Society Directory for the Site Co-ordinator’s contact details.

camera-iconPhoto Gallery

What you can spot…binoculars

Visit us

How to find us


Ewelme Watercress Visitors Centre,
The Street, Ewelme.
On Google Maps


Wallingford (approx. 4 miles from site)
Restricted bus services, please check before travel


Cholsey Station (approx. 6 miles from site)

Opening times

Public parts of the reserve are free to visit and open all year.

Usual visitor centre opening:

October-April: At 10:30 on the first Sunday of each month.
Please meet at the Watercress Centre (half-way along The Street, between the pub and the village hall).

May-September: At 2pm on the first Sunday of each month.

Adults £3 
Friends of the Watercress Beds, Chiltern Society members & accompanied children free

Volunteer

Subscribe to our eNews

How to find us


Ewelme Watercress Visitors Centre,
The Street, Ewelme.
See Google Maps


Cholsey Station (approx. 6 miles from site).


Chesham (4.5 miles away).

Opening times

Public parts of the reserve are free to visit and open all year.

Usual visitor centre opening:

October-April: At 10:30 on the first Sunday of each month.
Please meet at the Watercress Centre (half-way along The Street, between the pub and the village hall).

May-September: At 2pm on the first Sunday of each month.

Adults £3 
Friends of the Watercress Beds, Chiltern Society members & accompanied children free

Volunteer

Subscribe to our eNews