Improvement and safety work at Tumbling Bay in West Oxford has been completed, and the site has now reopened for public access.
Tumbling Bay, which is a former public bathing area, was closed in 2024 due to concerns over the condition of the old retaining wall and safety to users of the site.
Working with ODS, the Council carried out improvement works including removing the dilapidated wall, reinforcing the riverbank with sheet piling, and regrading the area with topsoil and new vegetation. These improvements aim to protect the area from further erosion and improve safety for visitors enjoying this green space.
The Council also partnered with the Environment Agency to regrade the neighbouring fish pass, to improve its functionality and biodiversity.
Ladders have been installed at the site for emergency access, however, swimming is not advised due to concerns over water quality and the isolated location. The Council has published advice on wild swimming safety, however anyone wild swimming does so at their own risk.
As an alternative to wild water swimming, residents are encouraged to use one of the Council’s four leisure centre swimming pools.
"These improvements were essential to ensure that our local green spaces are fit for purpose. Tumbling Bay is a treasured green space by the local community and we will all be pleased to see it reopening."
Councillor Anna Railton, Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council
"We are delighted to have worked so closely with Oxford City Council to successfully complete this scheme. Our improvements to the bypass channel will allow fish to move more easily around Tumbling Bay, from the Bulstake Stream to the River Thames. It will also improve access to diverse habitats and strengthen the local ecosystem.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson
"It was a pleasure for ODS to be involved in the improvement works to the failing wall at Tumbling Bay, a real community project. This particular project took careful planning from our team to carry out the works within the period allocated by the Environment Agency alongside a watercourse and at the correct time of year to try and avoid getting caught out by a flood event."
Simon Howick, Managing Director, ODS
Rate this page
