BBO Wildlife Trust

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK to achieve the shared aim of securing a better future for wildlife.

BBOWT was founded in 1959 (as the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Naturalist Trust - BBONT) by local ecologists who could see the extent of harm being done to the wonderfully rich natural environment of the three counties. For more than 55 years we have worked with local people to make Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire richer in wildlife.

We look after nature reserves

We look after 88 nature reserves spanning more than 2,500 hectares across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Our nature reserves act like 'reservoirs' from which wildlife can spread back in the wider countryside and are central to our work to secure a better future for wildlife. Read our conservation report to find out how we make a difference.

We run wildlife events

Our programme of exciting events includes family activities, wildlife walks and illustrated talks. Reserve work parties give you the opportunity to get hands-on experience of nature conservation.

We campaign for wildlife

We run campaigns to save precious habitats and vulnerable species. We lobby decision makers and aim to influence local plans and policies that affect wildlife by working with politicians, planners and members of the public

We work with other landowners

We encourage farmers, local authorities, private landowners and businesses to manage their land in a wildlife-friendly way. We offer advice and help to people managing local wildlife sites.

We educate children about wildlife

We run environmental education centres catering to thousands of schoolchildren each year. We offer training for teachers and schools to help them teach their pupils about wildlife.

We train conservationists

We run training programmes to ensure that the next generation of conservationists have the skills and experience they need to improve habitats and outlooks for wildlife.

We provide wildlife advice

We offer information and advice about wildlife to help individuals, planners, developers and landowners protect and enhance habitats for wildlife. We champion wildlife gardening at our centres, through our training events and right here on our website. Find out more about wildlife sites along or near the Thames

Warburg Nature Reserve

Location

4 miles north-west of

Henley-on-Thames

Oxfordshire

RG9 6BJ

Map reference

SU 721 878

A hidden wildlife gem nestling in the Chilterns hills, rich in wildlife that will lift your spirits whatever the season.

The last mile of lane from Bix to Warburg Nature Reserve is in very poor condition and due to be patched. Please consider walking to the reserve from Maidensgrove or Nettlebed, using the Henley Wild Walk leaflet. Opening Times: Reserve open at all times Toilets: open at all times Interpretation Centre open daily 9am - 5pm (There is no cafe at this centre)

Hartslock

Location

7 miles north-west of Reading

Oxfordshire

RG8 0EP

Map reference

SU 616 796

Parking: Please do not park on verges and in gateways on Gatehampton Road leading to Hartslock nature reserve. Park at Goring & Streatley railway station and walk along Gatehampton Road towards Upper Gatehampton Farm. At left hand bend before the hill, take track on right to the reserve. Or park in Goring village and walk along Thames Path 1.5 miles, then take path to the left, up steep slope into the reserve.

Enjoy magnificent views of the winding River Thames and sloping chalk grassland full of national rarities.

Explore the reserve and surrounding area with our Goring WIld Walk. Starting in Goring, this 8km circular walk takes in Hartslock nature reserve and a section of the Thames Path. OS Explorer Map 171, 1:25,000 scale, covers the route of this walk.

Opening Times Open at all times. No parking on site or in the road leading to the reserve.

Chimney Meadows

Location

Bampton

9 miles west of Abingdon

Oxfordshire

OX18 2EH

Map reference

SP 354 013

An ancient landscape and a vital refuge for wading birds, Chimney Meadows is the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's largest nature reserve in Oxfordshire and its fields are part of an ancient landscape, created by the Thames and shaped by centuries of farming.

Wonderful wetland vista

The large hide overlooking our wetland area provides views of feeding cormorant, little egret and kingfisher. At the smaller hide, which overlooks our northern pond, you can see little grebe, jay and long-tailed tit.

Opening Times: Open at all times

Hurley Chalk Pit

Location

2.5 miles east of Henley-on-Thames

Oxfordshire

RG9 3EB

Map reference

SU 813 821

Parking: On A4130 2.5 miles east of Henley, park in lay-by 100m west of Black Boy pub; take the bridleway opposite pub for 0.5 miles.

A sliver of beech woodland and chalk grassland, Hurley Chalk Pit is visited by 15 species of butterfly and home to wild orchids. Opening Times: Open at all times

Iffley Meadows

Location

1.5 miles south of city centre

Oxford Oxfordshire

OX4 4BL

Map reference

SP 525 039

Parking: Take A4144 (Abingdon Road) from Oxford centre or ring road; turn at B4495 (Donnington Bridge Road); park in Meadow Lane on right after bridge; cross back over bridge, take ramp down to towpath, reserve is on right.