Flagship reserve
Bowdown Woods
Nature Reserve
Mysterious hidden valleys, sunny glades and patches of heathland, hold a wealth of wildlife in this expanse of riverside woodland in south Berks.
Overlooking the Kennet Valley, Bowdown Woods near Newbury, is the Trust’s biggest woodland reserve in Berkshire – and for sheer variety of wildlife, it's hard to beat.
Seasonal highlights not to miss:
- primrose, bluebell, marsh-marigold and early-purple orchid in spring
- butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies in summer
- woodland and heathland fungi in autumn
Reserve management:
Woodland:
- maintaining wide rides – sheltered sunny corridors favoured by plants and insects
- non intervention allowing progress towards a ‘natural’ woodland
Heath:
- grazing to maintain low soil fertility needed by many wild flowers
- removing scrub to prevent succession to woodland
Location: OS Sheet 174; SU 501 656 (Bowdown)
2½ miles south-east of Newbury. On unclassified road (Bury’s Bank Road) between Greenham and Thatcham; tracks north start 1 mile east of Greenham village. Three surfaced car parks.
Getting around: 54.5 ha (135 acres)
Variable, ‘bomb site’ flat and surfaced, disabled access
Bowdown gentle slopes, soft after rain
Baynes steep slopes, uneven under foot; long flight of steps
Wildlife walks: Bowdown 1 mile, Bomb site 3/4 mile,
Baynes 1 mile
Reserves map:
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