Grangelands and The Rifle Range, Bucks

Stunning displays of chalk grassland flora and insects. You'll find an impressive array of orchids and warm expanses of wildflowers alive with buzzing bees, grasshoppers, and a kaleidoscope of butterflies that dance through the air along the Ridgeway National Trail. 

Explore the ancient ridgeway and the wooded slopes of Pulpit Hill, with its prehistoric hillfort, for a mix of heritage and wildflower splendour. 

Access Sloping, steep and muddy in places after rain. Kissing gates. Some stiles.

Grangelands and The Rifle Range

Letcombe Valley, Oxon

Letcombe Valley is a community nature reserve with a mix of cool, clear chalk stream, shady woodland and chalk grassland; a tranquil haven for wildlife and local people.

The Letcombe Brook is a rare habitat - there are only two chalk streams in the whole of Oxfordshire and only 161 UK-wide. The clear waters are home to unusual and interesting wildlife including water vole and fish such as bullhead, brown trout and brook lamprey. Look out for colourful kingfishers hunting in the stream.

Access 30% surfaced paths; some moderate slopes unsurfaced; steps, kissing gates

Letcombe Valley

Rushbeds Wood, Bucks

To enjoy an afternoon of sun and shade, head to the beautiful rides and open glades at Rushbed Woods. In July, make sure to scan the tree canopy for the fast-flying purple hairstreak, and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic purple emperor, white admirals, and silver-washed fritillaries. 

Please ensure to stick to the marked paths. The woodland rides are carefully managed to nurture wildflowers and trampling can easily damage them. Beyond the wood, explore the ancient, grass-filled meadows which add to the reserve’s summer charm. 

Access: Paths flat, soft after rain, some roots; kissing gates, bench

Rushbeds Wood

Seven Barrows, Berks

To the west of Berkshire lies Seven Barrows - a nationally important site for both wildlife and archaeology. July is one of the best times to see its chalk grassland at its most vibrant. 

More than 150 plant species have been recorded here, including horseshoe vetch, chalk milkwort, chalk fragrant-orchid, harebells and clustered bellflower. Its notable butterfly list includes the chalkhill blue, small blue, brown argus, marbled white and small heath.

Access: Flat; firm, uneven in places

Seven Barrows

Snelsmore Common Country Park, Berks

Explore the network of paths across this beautiful and varied heathland. Three types of heather can be found; ling, bell heather and cross leaved heath. Other heath plants such as bilberry thrive here too. Areas of scattered gorse provide perching areas for stonechats and other scrub-loving birds.

In summer months the wetter areas are the best places to watch dragonflies whizz by, including golden-ringed (our biggest species), broad-bodied and four-spotted chasers.

Access 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).

Snelsmore Common Country Park

Discover the wildlife of Snelsmore Common on two guided walks this summer. Click the buttons to find out more and book your place.

Nightjar Walk - Saturday 11 July

Wildlife Walk - Tuesday 14 July

Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxon

Nestled in the Chiltern Hills near Henley, Warburg Nature Reserve delights its visitors in any season with its stunning chalk grasslands and tranquil beech woodlands. 

In summer, the sun-soaked grasslands burst into bloom, showcasing a rich tapestry of wildflowers. July is peak orchid season here. BBOWT records up to 15 different species across the site through the year. 

The cool, leafy shade of the beech woodlands offers a pleasant contrast on warmer days, while ponds in the valley shimmer with water violet and yellow flag iris and attract birds for a cool drink and a bath.

Access 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.

Warburg Nature Reserve