A SERIES of talks are to take place to mark the 75th anniversary of Oxford University’s ownership of Wytham Woods.

The woods near Oxford were bequeathed to the university in 1943, and are now one of the most studied areas of woodland in the world.

The Woods Come to Town, a series of free lectures exploring 75 years of scientific research in the woods, take place at the Museum of Natural History in Parks Road, on Saturday, April 14 from 1.30pm to 5pm.

The bequest to the university was made by the ffennell family after the death of their only child, Hazel, on condition that the woodlands were also left for the enjoyment of the people of Oxford.

The university website said: “A permit system now allows walkers access to over 32km of footpaths and there are regular guided walks to enable visitors to see and learn about the woods’ wildlife.”

The woods and the ground-breaking science that takes place there are the subject of a five-page feature in the April issue of BBC Wildlife magazine.

Science writer Jo Wimpenny wrote the piece after speaking to many of the researchers who use the woods in their work, including Nigel Fisher, Conservator of Wytham Woods.

She focuses on the important long-term studies of blue and great tits that have been going on for decades.

She also looks at related topics, from the challenges of weighing tiny birds to the impact of climate change and the intricate ecological relationships between birds, the caterpillars they feed on, and the oak trees that in turn give the caterpillars their food. In February photographer Elizabeth Lettmann staged an exhibition of her photos of the woods.