Where to go in February

With more than 80 nature reserves to choose from, here are some ideas for where to go for a winter walk this month.

Male goldeneye by Fergus Gill/2020VIsion

Foxcote Reservoir, Bucks

What’s there? Plenty of water birds including great crested grebes, tufted ducks and the potential for visiting birds including goldeneye, goosander, teal, shoveler and occasionally pintail.

Where is it? 2 miles north-east of Buckingham

What’s the access like? Gentle slope. Wheelchair access possible in dry weather.

Foxcote Reservoir

Inkpen Crocus Field, Berks

What’s there? Tens of thousands of crocuses from late February to early April depending on the weather conditions.

Where is it? 7 miles southwest of Newbury

What’s the access like? Sloping; rough underfoot, wet patches in winter; kissing gate

Inkpen Crocus Field

Tufted ducks by Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Hosehill Lake, Berks

What’s there? Winter birds such as gadwall, tufted duck and pochard, and other water birds including grey heron and great crested grebe. Circular walk around the lake

Where is it? 1 mile south of Theale

What’s the access like? Mix of grass and surfaced paths, flat around northern part of lake, undulating to south. Narrow bridges. Lakeside paths muddy in winter. Bicycles and horse riding not permitted.

Hosehill Lake

Letcombe Valley, Oxon

What’s there? A chalk stream, woodland and chalk grassland, birds including kingfisher, little egret and grey heron, a self-guided nature trail.

Where is it? 2 miles southwest of Wantage

What’s the access like? 30% surfaced paths; some moderate slopes unsurfaced; steps, kissing gates

Letcombe Valley

A male great spotted woodpecker, resplendent with its black and white feathers and a red patch on the nape, clings to a mossy tree in a woodland

Sydlings Copse, Oxon

What’s there? Short, circular Wildlife Walk, woodland, limestone grassland, reedbed, fen and a stream, winter birds and early spring flowers

Where is it? 3.5 miles northeast of Oxford

What’s the access like? Sloping; flat sections, steep slopes, soft patches; kissing gate, steps. Not suitable for pushchairs.

Sydlings Copse

Whitecross Green Wood, Bucks

What’s there? Ancient woodland, regenerating broadleaved woodland where densely planted conifers have been removed, 1.5 mile circular Wildlife Walk, woodland birds, and early spring flowers

Where is it? 5 miles south of Bicester

What’s the access like? Mainly flat, sloping at southern end, flat rides bumpy paths, some roots, bench

Whitecross Green Wood