Type of Website: Nature Reserve

'A rugged and beautiful destination offering open space and tranquil wildlife watching. Wander through wildflower meadows spotting orchids, butterflies and dragonflies, or see our winter migration spectacle.'

'Located on the edge of Durham’s urban fringe, Castle Eden Dene is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, more than 450 species of plants, and some of our favourite mammals, such as roe deer and fox. The Reserve is a magical place full of legend and folklore, which has been left to spread and sprawl through this deep gorge for over 10,000 years. It’s now the largest area of semi-natural woodland in north-east England and is famous for its majestic yew trees and fantastic stands of ancient oak and ash.'

Natural England

'Our self-guided walking trials include the Woodland Walk and Sustainability Trail. Look out for wild birds and learn about local ecology.'

''Features of the gorges include: Well surfaced paths but some steep inclines; A variety of habitats, including grassland, meadow, ponds and woodland; A variety of plants and wildlife, including orchid, bats, newts and glow worms; Picnic areas at Warren Gorge set within meadows and beside lakes.'

'Chailey Common is one of the largest heathland commons in the South of England, covering 450 acres and was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1966. It has also been made a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its heathland plants and diverse insect and bird communities ... Chailey Common is open access land, but to minimise disturbance to wildlife it is better to keep to the footpaths. Leaflets on self-guided walks around the Common are available from East Sussex County Council ... '

East Sussex County Council

'This 16 hectare (39 acre) site runs along the eastern banks of the River Chelmer for approximately 2.5km from Valley Bridge down to Victoria Road.'

Visit Chelmsford

'Offers a remote landscape with open horizons and skies - ideal for long summer walks and attracting spectacular numbers of wintering waders. A number of trails at varied lengths afford great views over the pools, the wildlife, and the River Thames running alongside.'

RSPB

'There’s a network of pushchair-friendly trails with viewpoints and hides to make the most of your visit and plenty of information to explain what you're watching. Perhaps you’ll meet one of our friendly volunteer wildlife guides who can help you discover just a little bit more?'

RSPB

'This is a delightful oak woodland to walk through – especially in spring and early summer when lots of migrating birds come to breed at the reserve. Birds you may see on the steep valley sides include flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers. There are a wide variety of butterflies to spot too. In winter, redwings, fieldfares and winter finches are regular visitors. There's a fascinating nature trail here so the reserve is a good place for people of all ages to get closer to nature, although the footpaths are steep in places.'

RSPB

'A small oasis within an industrialised urban environment, providing a unique opportunity to escape city life and enjoy one of the last remaining areas of grazing marsh within the Greater London area ... The nature reserve is accessed via a number of public footpaths from Eastern Way (A2016), Norman Road and Belvedere Road, as well as the Thames Pathway which runs north across the Reserve.'

Thames Water

'Truly get away from it all at this remote and unspoilt reserve. Come during the winter and you'll see seaducks feeding offshore, while from late summer to late spring, large numbers of bar-tailed godwits, oystercatchers and knots flock at high tide. Look out for our small flock of wintering brent geese.  Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code you have the right to responsible access. Please avoid disturbing feeding and roosting wading birds along the shoreline. Thank you.'

RSPB

Culbin Sands, Forest and Findhorn Bay [Wikipedia]

'The Glen is in the heart of Cumbernauld. It is a valuable area of woodland which provides much needed recreational space for the townspeople. Split into two areas, Cumbernauld Glen and the Vault Glen are both abundant in native flora and fauna.'

Friends of Cumbernauld House Park

Cumbernauld Glen [Scottish Wildlife Trust]

'Local Nature Reserves are vital to the health and wellbeing of Darlington's wildlife and the many hundreds of people who visit them during the year. The Council's Countryside Team currently manage all the wildlife areas in the Darlington Borough. These areas offer visitors an insight into nature wildlife with nature trails, educational visits, viewing platforms, information boards, jettys and artwork.'

Parks and Green Spaces [Darlington Borough Council]

'An area of grassland, sand dunes, mudflats and centres on a 1½ mile long sandspit/beach across the mouth of the Exe Estuary ... it is one of the most important places for wildfowl and wading birds in the whole of the South West.  Thousands of birds come to feed, on migration, or to spend the winter here. The dunes and grassland have a host of special plants. Over 600 different types of flowering plants have been recorded on the Warren. This varied Reserve has many different habitats including salt marsh, fresh water ponds, wet meadows and woodland.'

South West Coast Path

'If you haven't been to Dungeness, nothing can quite prepare you for the landscape – mile after mile of shingle, which is wild and a little weird! On a cold winter's day, it is a delight to sit snug in the visitor centre and look out through a huge picture window at all the waterbirds on the large gravel pit just outside. Often a rare grebe or diver is among them, and it is perhaps the best place in the UK for watching the delightful smew.'

RSPB

'A large reserve with developing wildlife interest, comprising two large lakes with fringing reedbeds, grassland and recently planted woodland ...There is a network of designated routes on site and there are several hides dotted around the lakes. All footpaths are level, well-surfaced and usually over 100cm wide. There is a wide section of boardwalk outside one of the hides, leading to a wider viewing platform over a pond. The woodland walk is over a wide, level gravelled path and the coastal path is gained through a wide latch gate.'

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

'An oasis of wildlife close to the heart of Ballymena town centre. Eight kilometres of mostly flat footpath gently lead visitors around 220 acres of parkland that includes maturing woodland, peaceful lake and ponds, grazed meadows and hay meadows. Most of the park is managed by The Ulster Wildlife Trust in a way that give wildlife the best possible chance to thrive.'

Mid & East Antrim Borough Council

'The three main trails take you through a variety of habitats allowing stunning views of birds such as willow tits and tree sparrows in the woodland, and lapwings, snipe and redshanks in the wet grassland. In winter Fairburn hosts an array of swans, ducks and geese on the main lake, so there is something to see whatever the season.'

RSPB

'There's always something to see or hear when looking out over the reedbeds of Far Ings, whether it's the sound of the reeds as they sway in a gentle breeze, the song of hidden warblers or bearded tits, the eerie boom of a bittern, or a marsh harrier drifting over then disappearing into the reedbed ...'

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

'The Farne Islands are one of the natural highlights of the Northumbrian coast. Famed for providing sanctuary to St Cuthbert in the 7th century, Inner Farne is now renowned as a summer haven for nesting sea birds. For a unique wildlife experience, visit between April and July, or explore a more tranquil, historic island after the breeding season finishes.'

National Trust

Opened 2018: ‘The reserve is approximate 90 acres with lots of protected wildlife including rare birds and deer ... complementing the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ... The scenic Nature Reserve is now open to both our guests and to the general public’.

Pure Leisure

'Straddling the English border, near Whitchurch in Shropshire and Wrexham in Wales, lies one of the biggest and best raised bogs in Britain. Its astonishingly varied wildlife makes it a place of international importance.'

Natural England

Fenn’s & Whixall Mosses National Nature Reserve - History Trail Leaflet [Natural England] (PDF)

'Beryl Leatherland, keen walker and member of the Fife Access Forum, has collated some walks related to the Fife Core Path Network ... Also ... we have various walk leaflets/publications produced by local groups for you to download.'

Fife Access Forum

'As the largest of the RSPB reserves, we manage a vast peatland landscape which visitors can experience by exploring one of our two self-guided trails or joining one of our guided walks. The new Flows Lookout Tower gives a unique perspective of the pool system on our Dubh Lochan Trail, which is a classic example of the type of pools that are found throughout the Flow Country.'

RSPB

'From Waterside you can follow the Dune Trail to explore the Ythan estuary, the dunes and beach ... From the Visitor Centre the Heath Trail takes you round the northern section of the Reserve ... The wonderful hidden Hackley Bay makes an enjoyable short extension to either of the two way marked trails ... The routes can be combined to create a much longer route for those looking for a full day's walk.'

Scotland's National Nature Reserves

Leicestershire & Rutland Ornithological Society

RSPB

'Did you know there are over 20 countryside sites in Gateshead including ancient meadows and woodlands? There are also new sites reclaimed form the ashes of our industrial past and sites that are important in the story of Gateshead. Find out where these sites are and what you can do when you get there ...'

Gateshead Council

'Set in the beautiful North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Geltsdale is home to black grouse, birds of prey and breeding wading birds and is ideal for walking ...'

RSPB

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve [tripadvisor]

'Visit our fabulous flagship nature reserve - the farm time forgot! ... Follow the walking trails through meadows peppered with anthills, look out over the valley with its glorious views and spot a dipper on the River Marteg as it tumbles down through the reserve and over the waterfalls ...'

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust

'Following the purchase of the former RAF Greenham Common Airbase in 1997, 750-acres were immediately transferred to the control of the local council to be restored as common land ... Greenham Common was reopened with unrestricted public access in 2000, providing a natural resource of national importance.'

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust

'A public footpath runs from the Forestry Commission car park through the northern edge of the Reserve as far as the MoD firing range, and northwards leaving the reserve and entering West Wood for a round trip back to the car park. The path is steep, rocky, and extremely narrow in places.'

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Harbottle Crag [My Pennines]

'Hartlepool Borough Council manages a total of 150.2 ha of LNRs spread across 6 sites ... The wilder places to visit around Hartlepool are detailed ...'

Hartlepool Borough Council

'Mixed terrain with three marked walking trails. Trail one is accessible for those with limited mobility around the top of the Fell.'

Durham Wildlife Trust

'Hengistbury Head is a dramatic headland in Bournemouth situated to the south of Christchurch Harbour. It is an outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology and offers beautiful beaches and views across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and Purbecks ... '

Visit Hengistbury Head

'The Islands are cut off from the mainland by the tide for up to 5 hours out of every 12 hours. When planning your journey you must find out the time of high water and allow sufficient time to complete your visit to the islands and your return journey to West Kirby safely. It is possible to visit the islands over high water, in which case allow for a stay of at least 5 hours whilst the tide is in, or alternatively, you can walk there and back over one low water period.'

The Friends of Hilbre

'England's largest national nature reserve ... managed by Natural England with the cooperation of the Holkham Estate.'

Wikipedia

Holkham National Nature Reserve [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'A large area of heathland, grassland and woodland with many areas being restored to heathland ... Hook Common and Bartley Heath are open access land, a number of public Rights of Way and many informal paths cross the site.'

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

'If it's wild and wonderful on St. Agnes, Bryher, St. Martin's or St. Mary's it is probably cared for by The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust ... '

'An internationally important wetland nature reserve in West London.'  The Friends of Kempton membership scheme 'enables members to access the reserve's wildlife protected area. This protected area has two bird hides, a wader scrapes, islands, and a boardwalk providing ideal wildlife watching opportunities'.

Thames Water

'This NNR is one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves, with all the special plants, birds and insects that depend on this type of coastal habitat for their survival. Situated on the edge of the reserve is Kenfig Pool, Glamorgan's largest lake. The rest of the Reserve consists of a large expanse of sand dunes which lead to the coast and Sker Point, with lovely views across Swansea Bay to the Gower. On the western side of the Reserve is the stark horizon of Port Talbot's industrial area and steelworks - a strange contrast that only serves to highlight the wild beauty of the Reserve itself.'

First-Nature.com

'Langdyke Countryside Trust is a voluntary nature-loving organisation working to make a difference to the environmental and cultural heritage around Peterborough and Stamford – the area so loved by peasant poet John Clare ... There are many wonderful walks in the Langdyke area. In the East the countryside is generally flat and the going is easy. In the South and the West the landscape is gently undulating and stone built villages remind one of the Cotswolds.'

'The Reserve has a relaxing atmosphere with good level paths and you can enjoy watching wildfowl from five hides overlooking the lakes. You may even see some rarities, such as osprey. Residents include kingfisher, water rail and gadwall. In spring watch for great-crested grebes shaking their heads in courtship. Reed warbler, waders and terns drop in on their summer migration. As winter advances shoveler and wigeon join the other ducks present all year round and occasionally the endangered and secretive bittern pays a visit.'

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

'Choose from a selection of trails and hides, most of which are suitable for wheelchairs, and get right to the heart of the reedbed. Or take the nature trail alongside two coastal lagoons to see lots of wading and water birds ...'

RSPB

'The reserves occupy a 26-acre site and are a mixture of meadows, hedges, and woodland copses and also boast a wetland area with a number of ponds and small pools, an orchard, a wildflower meadow and a butterfly garden. The reserves are managed in such a way as to gain maximum benefit for the flora and fauna, with increased biodiversity very much in mind.'

Lingfield Nature Reserves

'Mosaic of lakes, scrapes, pools, streams and lagoons adjoining the salt marshes and shore of the scenic Burry Inlet. The range of habitats makes the 450 acre site a refuge for many different plants and animals with tens of thousands of migratory birds visiting every year.'

'Set on the southern shore of the loch, RSPB Loch Leven nature reserve offers a great day out for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike. Formerly known as Vane Farm, we bought this reserve in 1967 as a centre for environmental education and it is still a fantastic place for children to explore and discover nature today ...'

RSPB

'Whatever time of year you come, make sure you experience the excellent views from the three hides – you're just as likely to see otters, red squirrels and deer as wildfowl, not to mention many species of butterflies and dragonflies too ...'

RSPB

'London Wetland Centre is an idyllic spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the City for a walk or to indulge in an afternoon of bird watching from one of our six hides. The reserve is easily accessible with pathways and bridges among the pools, meadows and gardens ...'

'There is a marked trail around the island that takes in the site of a Benedictine chapel built in 1139 at the highest point (47 m). Legend says that Joseph of Arimathea came here ... Please note that visits can only be made on official organised trips.'

Cornwall Wildlife Trust

'Test Way public footpath crosses the reserve with sections of boardwalk. Permissive path leads to bird viewing screens and hide in South. Please keep to the path to avoid disturbance to wildlife. Please check the tide times as the reserve is not accessible at high tide.'

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

[1] Coastal Walk  'The footpath along the coast is the Solent Way which starts at Milford on Sea. The distance from Keyhaven to where the Lymington Yacht Clubs are, is 4.9 miles and will take about 2hrs to walk' - - - : [2] Circular Routes  'Most of the footpaths are wide and flat with a gravel surface. The only gradient is normally where you walk from inland up to the sea wall (coastal path).'

lymington.com

Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes [Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust]