Male goldeneye by Fergus Gill/2020VIsion
Where to go in February
Inkpen Crocus Field. Picture: Adrian Wallington
With more than 80 nature reserves to choose from, here are some ideas for where to go for a winter walk this month.
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.
Inkpen Crocus Field in bloom. Picture: Pete Hughes
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
Kingfisher by Margaret Holland
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
A swan at BBOWT's Loddon nature reserve near Reading photographed by Jon Mason, aka TheEarlyBirder
Loddon Nature Reserve, Berks
What’s there? Winter birds such as gadwall, tufted duck and pochard, and other water birds including grey heron and great crested grebe
Where is it? Twyford
What’s the access like? Flat; partly flooded in winter with muddy, short slopes; gate, boardwalk
Great spotted woodpecker © Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
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.
©Dawn Monrose
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
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