Aston Clinton Ragpits, Bucks

Tucked away on the edge of Wendover Woods between Aylesbury and Tring, Aston Clinton Ragpits is a remarkable nature reserve. Just three hectares in size and boasting eight species of wild orchid, many other wildflowers and over 25 different types of butterfly, this reserve offers a real treat to visitors in spring and summer.

You can help count the thousands of orchids at the reserve by joining in with the annual orchid count on Saturday 13 June (free but booking essential).

Learn all about the reserve and the wildlife that lives there at our guided walk on Sunday 7 June.

Access: There is a network of smaller paths that visitors are free to explore. Short, steep slopes; some loose stone; steps. Please stick to the paths to avoid trampling the many wild flowers that grow here.

Aston Clinton Ragpits

Chimney Meadows, Oxon

June is a wonderful month to visit Chimney Meadows to see the wildflowers meadows at their best. At this time of year, plants such as yellow rattle, common knapweed, oxeye daisy and pepper-saxifrage are beginning to bloom, and later in the summer can be found in abundance. 

The observation platform on the banks of the River Thames gives views out over the National Nature Reserve and Duxford Old River, part of the reserve that is to the south of the river. 

Access: Flat terrain; bridge and gates; bumpy underfoot, can be boggy and flooded in autumn/winter/spring.

Wellingtons required to cross ford at Great Brook and Duxford - may be impassable if water level is high.

Great Brook Road (from near Tadpole Bridge to Chimney) becomes impassable due to flooding when water levels are very high (recommend access via Bull Street, Aston).

Some paths, and the two bird hides accessed from the boardwalk, are suitable for people with limited mobility. Please contact Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve to discuss accessibility requirements before visiting. Contact BBOWT for further information on 01367 870904.

Public access to certain areas of the site, including Duxford Old River and the SSSI/National Nature Reserve, is limited to protect wildlife. You can enjoy views of them from the Thames Path National Trail and visit them on occasional guided walks. 

Chimney Meadows

Cholsey Marsh, Oxon

A variety of birds use this riverside nature reserve for breeding and roosting. Listen out for warblers singing in the scrub and reedbeds, and look out for kingfishers hunting across the water. At dusk you might spot the ghostly shape of barn owls as they fly over the reserve searching for voles. 

Many dragonflies and damselflies emerge and hunt for insects over the marsh. Keep a look out for the common clubtail dragonfly, which has a distinctive club-shaped tail. 

Access: Flat overall, soft after rain; kissing gates, gates. The Thames Path National Trail runs through the reserve.

Cholsey Marsh

Hurley Chalk Pit, Berks

Hurley Chalk Pit is a summer jewel in June. Wildflowers like pyramidal and bee orchids bloom among wild marjoram and quaking grass. These species are typically in full bloom during this month, making it a prime time for wildflower enthusiasts. 

Excavated more than 150 years ago, the warm and sheltered pit now attracts 15 species of butterfly, including common blues and gatekeepers. 

Access: Gentle slopes but watch out for some loose flint and roots

Hurley Chalk Pit

Moor Copse, Berks

This diverse woodland wildlife treasure trove astride the River Pang is a haven of peace and beauty, renowned for its flowers, butterflies and moths. In summer, butterflies are abundant and the meadows are brimming with wildflowers. Dragonflies and damselflies, such as the beautiful demoiselle and the brown hawker hunt up and down the river.

Access: Flat, soft ground after rain, can flood in winter; some cross slopes and coarse aggregates on paths, gates.

Moor Copse

Yoesden, Bucks

Yoesden nature reserve contains a precious bank of chalk grassland brimming with wild flowers during the summer. It's also said to be the best site in Buckinghamshire for the variety of butterflies that you can see there. Adonis blue (above), chalkhill blue and small blue butterflies are among the many butterfly species you may see there. 

Access: Sloping, steep and stony in places, muddy in places; kissing gates and gates; bench

Yoesden