|
Hartslock Nature Reserve
A jewel of a nature reserve on a steep chalk hillside in south Oxon with wonderful views of the River Thames.
Don’t miss the famous monkey orchids – so rare they are protected by law. Carefully monitored by volunteers, individual plants are marked and their histories recorded. You can also enjoy a host of other orchids including the common spotted, bee, pyramidal, common twayblade and white helleborine. In July the whole hillside is carpeted with pale mauve marjoram.
Best time to visit:
Spring and summer, especially May or early June.
Habitats and management:
Chalk grassland:
- grazing from autumn to early spring to maintain low soil fertility needed by many wild flowers
- controlling scrub to prevent succession to woodland
Getting there:
Directions: 7 miles north-west of Reading. 1 mile south-east of Goring station on unclassified road to Upper Gatehampton Farm; at left hand bend before hill, take track on right. Surfaced track at road junction, 50 m.
Please note: Parking is not available at the grass verge. Parking is availabe at either Goring Station or Goring. Please follow the Thames path to the reserve.
Getting around: 4 ha (10.5 acres). Steep slopes; firm paths; long flight of steps.
|
Location: OS Sheet 175; 
