Golspie Swamp

Covering 295 hectares (730 acres), Golspie Swamp represents the third largest forested area remaining in Oxford County. Approximately one-half of this area is owned by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, while the remainder is held in private ownership. The Swamp is located between the middle Thames River and the south Thames River, approximately 8 km northwest of Woodstock and 9 km southeast of Embro. It is bordered by a railway line to the south, County Road 17 to the north and agricultural fields to the east and west. A narrow concession road bisects the area in a north/south direction.

Golspie Swamp is situated in a low, poorly drained depression. Standing to gently flowing water occur seasonally or, in some locations, persist for longer periods. The Swamp is a natural source area of groundwater recharge and provides seasonal flood storage, reducing rates of snow melt and rainfall runoff.

Deciduous tree species such as ash, maple and poplar dominate much of the area. A variety of plants and ferns are also found in the Swamp, including some uncommon orchid species such as yellow lady’s slipper, showy orchid and bog twayblade orchid. The area provides an important habitat for various species of fauna, including a number of frog and butterfly species. In addition, typically northern species of birds, such as the northern waterthrush, winter wren and golden-winged warbler, are able to find suitable habitat within Golspie Swamp.

A number of disturbances threaten Golspie Swamp. Most notably, outlet drainage required for agricultural land has contributed to a network of municipal drains located in and around the Swamp. In the past, clearing operations removed most of the merchantable timber. As a result, much of the present tree cover is now second growth. Division of the area into a number of smaller land parcels during the early 1970s, as well as its proximity to the City of Woodstock and several smaller towns, has made the area attractive for residential use.

Golspie Swamp is a valuable natural resource because of its water storage/recharge functions and wildlife habitat. Moreover, with less than 6% of Oxford County remaining in woodlot, the relative size of the site makes it a significant natural area.