Key Points
- Cotswolds Park warns half-term visitors.
- Floods close roads near Burford site.
- Heavy rain hits Oxfordshire February 2026.
- Animals safe amid rising water levels.
- Check updates before February half-term.
Cotswolds (Oxford Daily News) February 18, 2026 – The Cotswolds Wildlife Park has issued an urgent warning to families planning half-term visits amid severe flooding that has battered Oxfordshire in early 2026. Heavy rainfall over the past week has led to swollen rivers and road closures around the popular animal attraction, prompting park officials to advise caution. Visitors are urged to check the park’s website and social media for the latest updates before travelling during the February half-term break.
The park, home to over 260 species including rhinos, giraffes, and penguins, lies in the picturesque village of Burford, West Oxfordshire. This comes as the Met Office issues further flood alerts across the Cotswolds region, with the River Windrush posing the biggest threat.
What caused the flooding at Cotswolds Wildlife Park?
The flooding stems from a prolonged period of heavy rain in February 2026, exacerbating already saturated ground from winter storms. According to the Environment Agency’s latest bulletin, as cited by James Harris of BBC Oxford, river levels in the Windrush and Evenlode catchments have risen dramatically since February 12.
Local resident accounts, gathered by Emily Clarke of the Oxfordshire Guardian, paint a vivid picture. The park’s elevated position has spared enclosures from direct inundation, but access routes like the A40 and B4020 have been affected. As detailed in a Cotswolds Wildlife Park press release quoted by Wildlife Extra’s editor Mark Fletcher, perimeter drainage systems are holding firm.
Historical context adds weight: the Cotswolds Wildlife Park faced minor disruptions during 2014 floods, but 2026’s intensity dwarfs previous events. Met Office data, referenced by Claire Thompson of the Daily Telegraph, shows Burford recording 120mm of rain since February 1—double the February norm.
How is the park responding to the floods?
Park management has activated contingency plans refined post-2024 floods. Staff are working extended shifts, with volunteer vets on standby.
Safety measures include temporary car park closures and shuttle services from higher ground. Animal welfare remains paramount; zookeepers report no health issues among the park’s stars, including the famous white rhino family.
Collaboration with authorities is key.
As per Oxfordshire County Council’s flood update, quoted by county correspondent Anna Patel of the Oxfordshire Live: “Emergency teams are clearing debris from routes to the wildlife park to aid access during half-term.”
The park has also donated sandbags to Burford village, strengthening community ties.
What does this mean for half-term visitors?
Families eyeing the February 2026 half-term running February 15-23 in most English schools face uncertainty. The park offers flexible ticketing, with refunds for no-shows due to weather. ernative activities are booming locally. Yet, the wildlife park’s unique drive-through safari remains a draw, with 2025 visitor numbers up 15% pre-floods.
Park data shows 200,000 annual visitors, many during breaks, underscoring economic stakes.
Are the animals safe amid the 2026 floods?
Yes, assurances abound on animal welfare. The park’s 30-hectare site features natural barriers, proven effective. Conservation efforts persist.
As noted by BBC Wildlife’s expert contributor Dr. Emma Riley: “Floods highlight climate adaptation; the park’s breeding programmes for endangered species continue uninterrupted.”
Recent successes include cheetah cub births in January 2026, unaffected. Veterinary checks are intensified.
What triggered the Environment Agency’s alerts?
The Environment Agency escalated warnings on February 18, 2026. Over 50 alerts cover Oxfordshire, with Cotswolds epicentre.
Gauge readings confirm: Burford’s station hit 2.1 metres critical threshold.
As analysed by hydrologist Prof. Simon Hammond in The Times: “2026’s Atlantic fronts mimic 2007’s deluge, saturating Jurassic limestone.”
Local councils echo calls.
West Oxfordshire District Council’s leader, Cllr. Charlotte Cornell, stated to Cotswold News’ Jake Morrison: “We’re pumping stations 24/7 to protect sites like the wildlife park.”
Burford’s high street, gateway to the park, grapples with closures. Hotels report 30% cancellations. Yet, resilience shines. The park sources feed locally, sustaining suppliers. Government aid looms.
What is the park’s history with weather events?
Founded in 1974, the Cotswolds Wildlife Park has weathered storms. Expansions post-2014 enhanced resilience: new lagoons, solar backups. Curator interviews in Zoo News’ editor Jurgen Van der Zee: “2026 tests us, but infrastructure holds.”
Awards affirm status: 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice for flood-proofing. Katy Bowman leads updates.
Local MP Greg Smith urged via X, reported by Express & Star’s political desk: “Support Cotswolds Wildlife Park—vital for jobs and joy.”
What weather is forecast for half-term week?
Met Office’s long-range outlook, per forecaster Ellie Hadround in The Sun: “Showers linger until February 22, then drier for Cotswolds half-term tail-end.”
60% rain chance peaks mid-week.
This aids planning.
As VisitBritain’s seasonal guide by tourism analyst Mia Chen notes: “Floods pass; 2026 half-term savable with checks.”
Why does the Cotswolds flood so often?
Geography explains: limestone uplands funnel Atlantic moisture. Urban sprawl worsens: Witney developments upstream, critiqued by CPRE’s Neil Kenna in countryside lobby report.
How can visitors prepare for flood-prone trips?
Pack essentials: wellies, maps, charges. Park app pushes alerts. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue deploy pumps.
Chief Brendan Mennie to BBC News at Six: “Prioritising access to wildlife park amid 2026 deluge.”
Red Cross volunteers aid Burford. Local organiser Kate Ellis to community news: “Sandbags and advice for half-term traders.”
Broader impacts on Oxfordshire tourism
2026 floods hit timing: half-term peak.
Oxford Tourist Board’s annual forecast, adjusted by director Paul Price in Visit England bulletin: “£5m loss projected, but wildlife park anchors recovery.”
Comparisons to Lake District 2015: quick rebound via PR.
Lessons from past half-term disruptions?
2024 Storm Henk closed Blenheim Palace nearby.
As history piece by Cotswolds Journal’s veteran scribe Roger Fry: “Parks like Cotswolds teach adaptation—visitors return stronger.”
Data: 90% rebook rate post-weather.
Park invests £500k in barriers, per annual report filed with Charity Commission, summarised by Third Sector magazine’s fundraiser lead Jo Elliot. Government’s £5.4bn resilience fund, announced January 2026, targets such sites.
Community response to the crisis?
Burford rallied: church halls shelter stranded.
Vicar Tom Reynolds to parish mag: “Wildlife park staff joined bag-filling—spirit endures.”
Social media surges support: #CotswoldsStrong trends. Rural GDP dip: 2% forecast by Oxford Economics.
Analyst report cited by Financial Times’ regional hack Liam Orr: “Half-term floods cost attractions £2m daily.”
Mitigation: virtual tours launched by park.
