All year interest

Warburg Nature Reserve

Warburg Nature Reserve by Kate Titford

All-year interest

We are lucky enough to live in a part of England that is truly blessed for wildlife.
Steve Backshall
BBOWT President

Discover some of our finest nature reserves, which are a great introduction to wildlife all year round.

The key to seeing and enjoying wildlife is to wait, - and look, and listen - and let the wildlife come to you. Switch off your mobile phone, be still and silent for a few moments and tune into the sights, smells and sounds around you.

The more return visits you make, the more likely you are to have a truly memorable wildlife encounter; perhaps you'll hear the haunting call of a curlew, or glimpse a white admiral butterfly gliding by.

Useful kit to bring

  • Wear sturdy shoes and sensible clothing for the weather conditions.
  • Take a pair of binoculars to see wildlife in the trees or across the lake.
  • If you are visiting with children, pack paper and pencils and get them to jot down what they see.

Discover reserves in Berkshire

Bowdown Woods

Bowdown Woods by Rob Appleby

Bowdown Woods

Mysterious hidden valleys, sunny glades and patches of heathland, a natural playground for you to explore all year round. Discover a wealth of wildlife in this expanse of ancient woodland near to Newbury.

Greenham Common by James Osmond

Greenham and Crookham Commons

These form the largest continuous tract of open heath in Berkshire. The mix of purple and pink heathers and golden yellow gorse, wildflower-filled grasslands and expanses of bare gravels are all easily accessible to visitors.

Moor Copse

Moor Copse by Helen Taylor

Moor Copse

This diverse woodland wildlife treasure trove astride the River Pang is a haven of peace and beauty, renowned for its flowers, butterflies and moths.

Jone Ayres

Storytime by the lake by Jone Ayres

Nature Discovery Centre

The centre is surrounded by a mosaic of different habitats with fantastic wildlife to see all year around. Wander along the lake, visit the internationally important Thatcham Reedbeds nature reserve or explore some of the nearby woodland, then pop into the visitor centre and cafe.

Discover reserves in Buckinghamshire

College Lake

College Lake by Claire Williams

College Lake

College Lake is widely regarded as one of the best places in Bucks for water birds. Stroll around the lake, watch the birds from the numerous hides then return to the visitor centre for a bite to eat in the cafe.

Dancersend

Dancersend by Mick Jones

Dancersend with Pavis Woods

This tranquil haven with a rich variety of wildlife is just perfect for recharging the batteries! The reserve nestles within two sheltered valleys deep in the Chilterns, and includes woodland, scrub and chalk grassland.

Bluebells in woodland

Springtime bluebells at Finemere Wood. Photo by Tim Read

Finemere Wood

A magnificent woodland - home to birds, bats and butterflies, where you can forget the stresses of everyday life. Finemere Wood has the thrilling atmosphere of a very old, wild place. At its heart you will find a sheltered haven of rough pasture and thickets, and a restored meadow.

Rushbeds Wood

Rushbeds Wood by Phil Townsend

Rushbeds Wood

Discover a wealth of wild flowers and butterflies in this ancient woodland and meadows. Admire woodland flowers in spring, butterflies in summer, seasonal colour in autumn and atmospheric woodland in winter.

Discover reserves in Oxfordshire

Dry Sandford Pit

Dry Sandford Pit

Dry Sandford Pit

A fascinating mosaic of fossil-rich cliffs, fenland with ponds and streams, grassland, scrub and woodland set in an old quarry. Geological wonders, nationally-scarce fen and rich insect life make Dry Sandford Pit a nature reserve of national importance. 

Foxholes nature reserve

Foxholes nature reserve by Andy Fairbairn

Foxholes

Discover breath-taking beauty in this ancient woodland famed for its spectacular spring bluebells, abundant birdlife and fabulous fungi.

Sydlings Copse

Sydlings Copse by Andy Fairbairn

Sydlings Copse

Enjoy this secluded wildlife gem throughout the seasons. The diversity of this small nature reserve is quite staggering. Boasting ancient broadleaved woodland, limestone grasslands, reedbed, fen, a stream and rare Oxfordshire heathland.

Warburg Nature Reserve

Warburg Nature Reserve by Kate Titford

Warburg Nature Reserve

A hidden wildlife gem nestling in the Chilterns hills, rich in wildlife that will lift your spirits whatever the season. Warburg Nature Reserve is a remote and magnificent place, rich in exciting plants and animals all through the year.

 

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