Only 2.5 miles from Newbury town centre, this wonderful nature reserve stretches from Greenham Common down to the River Kennet and forms part of the West Berkshire Living Landscape, a wildlife trust project creating space for wildlife and people together.

There are three peaceful circular wildlife walking routes to choose from through the mystical ancient woodland; the Bowdown Walk and Baynes Walk are each 1 mile in length, and the Bomb Site Walk is 3/4 mile. For a longer walk, Wild Walk One is a 6-mile circular walk taking in Bowdown Woods reserve. Find the route here.

Bowdown Woods is a fabulous example of nature reclaiming a space once occupied by humans. The Bomb Site Walk takes in an area which housed an ammunition store during and after the Second World War and is now home to thriving young birch and oak trees.

As you wander through the woods, look out for clearings which offer views across the Kennet Valley, swathes of bluebells sitting in the shade of the trees, streams glistening in the rays of sunlight squeezing through the branches, and a few steep paths to raise your heartrate and your spirits. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and butterflies too, who relish being immersed in the natural beauty on show here.