Where to go in December

With nearly 90 nature reserves to choose from in our three counties, which are the best to visit this month?

Bittern — A well-camouflaged bittern. Photo by Tim Stenton

Calvert Jubilee, Bucks

This tranquil Buckinghamshire reserve is a delightful place to watch wintering wildfowl such as mallard, tufted duck and pochard.

Its large 'lake' was created by clay extraction for the brick industry. Later, part of the site was a municipal rubbish tip. Steep banks were carefully sculpted to form shallows in front of two bird hides while the creation of three floating raft islands have enabled common terns and waterfowl to nest away from local foxes.

At this time of year, a lucky birdwatcher might see bittern, smew, goldeneye, and goosander. Let us know what you spot on social media!

Access: Flat; mostly bumpy but there is a flat, surfaced path leading to the hide; gate, steps, bridges.

Calvert Jubilee

Dancersend, Bucks

This tranquil haven with a rich variety of wildlife is just perfect for recharging the batteries at this busy time of year!

The woodlands are home to many birds so listen out for the drumming of the great spotted woodpecker and the 'yaffle' of the green woodpecker as you explore the reserve. Tawny owls can be heard hooting in the trees and the 'pitchou' call of the marsh tit is commonly heard.

Look out for new interpretation panels that explain more about the history of the site and the areas of chalk grassland. You can learn more about some of the trees by following the tree trail, which starts from the Water Works car park.

Access: Variable, gentle slopes, bumpy in places; gates; benches.

Dancersend

A kingfisher perched on a branch by Zachery Osbourne - winner of the teenagers category in the BBOWT Photography Competition 2022.

Letcombe Valley, Oxon

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 birds including kingfishers, grey herons and little egrets hunting in the stream. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a barn owl hunting over the chalk grassland at this nature reserve, too.

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

Letcombe Valley

Learn more about our campaign to save our chalk streams

Shepperlands Farm, Berks

A beautiful trio of meadow, heath and wood teeming with wildlife. The small heathland glade was resurrected from pine plantation, and is developing into a valuable addition to this regionally significant habitat while the small damp meadow is a rare wildlife survivor escaping the ravages of modern intensive farming.

There are some wonderful old oak trees scattered through the younger, straighter trees on the reserve. These trees and their decaying wood make homes for countless insects, as well as the woodpeckers and treecreeper.

Access: Bridleway and paths, soft after rain, tree roots, kissing gates, rough ground in heath. No dogs in the fenced heathland please.

Shepperlands Farm

Snelsmore Common, Berks

Snelsmore Common contains a range of habitats including heathland, wet mires and woodland. There are several waymarked routes to help you explore the reserve.

Print our children's crayon rubbing trail and take it with you when you visit to discover more about the special heathland wildlife here. This follows the route of the Easy Access Trail.

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

Trees and scrub against a winter blue sky — Warburg Nature Reserve is tucked away in the Chilterns. Photo by Kaya Saman

Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxon

High up in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Warburg Nature Reserve is a remote and magnificent place, rich in exciting plants and animals all through the year.

In autumn and winter, look out for fungi growing here. An incredible 900 species have been recorded at the reserve. Overhead, red kites and buzzards fly searching for food and the woods are alive with the sound of smaller birds flitting amongst the trees.

Access: Variable, mostly steep paths and loose flint, flat grassy path; muddy in valley bottom after rain; benches.

A mobility Tramper vehicle may be available to borrow, please email hughweldon@bbowt.org.uk or call 07541 690655 before visiting to book in advance.

Warburg Nature Reserve