Bittern by Tim Stenton
Where to go in December
Winter waterfowl, Nature Discovery Centre by Craig Allen
Enjoy frosty mornings, winter visitors and seasonal strolls, here are some great reserves to visit this month.
Calvert Jubilee, Bucks
What's there? A haven for birdwatchers with two bird hides and plenty of birds to look out for including tufted duck and pochard. If you're lucky, you might also spot some rarer winter visitors such as bittern, smew, scaup, goldeneye, goosander and glaucous gull.
Where is it? 6.5 miles east of Bicester.
What's the access like? Flat; mostly bumpy but there is a flat surfaced path leading to the hide; gate, steps, bridges; some restricted access due to HS2.
Dancersend in winter by Mick Jones
Dancersend with Pavis Woods, Bucks
What's there? A tranquil haven for wildlife and people. Large areas of mixed woodland and chalk grassland to explore and a short, circular Wildlife Walk. Listen out for woodland birds.
Where is it? 5 miles south-east of Aylesbury.
What's the access like? Variable, gentle slopes, bumpy in places; gates; benches.
View from Hartslock nature reserve over Goring Gap by Craig Howes (craighowesphotography.co.uk)
Hartslock, Oxon
What's there? Enjoy magnificent views of the River Thames winding through Goring Gap, and red kites soaring overhead. Take a detour from a longer walk along the Thames Path to visit this nature reserve.
Where is it? Close to Goring-on-Thames, a short distance from the Thames Path National Trail.
What's the access like? Steep slopes, firm paths; long flight of steps.
Nightjar nesting habitat at Snelsmore Common. Picture: Pete Hughes
Snelsmore Common Country Park, Berks
What's there? A large network of paths to explore the heathland and woodland. Listen out for woodland birds and look out for a wide variety of mosses and lichens.
Where is it? 4 miles north-west of Newbury.
What's the access like? The common is dissected by a number of valley mires so some paths are steep and uneven. A paved circular path 0.75 miles, the Easy Access Trail) is fully accessible by pushchairs and wheelchairs (RADAR key required to fully open gate).
Thatcham Reedbeds by Jennifer Stevens
Thatcham Reedbeds, Berks
What's there? One of the largest areas of inland reedbed in southern England, look out for flocks of winter birds including tufted ducks, pochards and shovelers. Stop off at the nearby Nature Discovery Centre for refreshments after a visit.
Where is it? Next to the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham.
What's the access like? Terrain is flat and routes are even but the reedbed route is more challenging than those around the lakes and can be wet in places.
Safety first - railway may be crossing required depending on your route.
The woodland at Warburg Nature Reserve in winter. Photo by Kaya Saman
Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxon
What's there? A large woodland with areas of chalk grassland nestling in the Chiltern Hills. Explore the reserve via the one-mile circular Wildlife Walk or make a longer walk via the network of paths. A picnic table, and two bird hides overlooking small ponds.
Where is it? 5 miles north of Henley-on-Thames.
What's the access like? Variable, mostly steep paths and loose flint, flat grassy path; muddy in valley bottom after rain; benches.
A mobility Tramper vehicle is available to hire Tuesday-Thursday, subject to staff availability. Please email warburg@bbowt.org.uk or call 01865 788311 to book in advance.
What's on this month
Ickle Owl Augmented Reality Trail - College Lake, 4 Sept to 24 Oct & 2 Nov to 21 Dec
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10am-5pm until 24/10 10am-4pm until 21/12
College Lake,
Tring, Buckinghamshire
