Zebon Copse Nature Reserve

Zebon Copse Nature Reserve is small so it suits little legs. It is a mixture of woodland paths guiding you through the trees

and boardwalks flying you over mires.

There are information boards and maps scattered along the way.

We spotted caterpillars, butterflies, spiders, damselflies and birds. Also a huge orange fungus so big, we had to take a photo with a £1 coin for scale!

The Basingstoke Canal

The Basingstoke Canal flows along Zebon Copse Nature Reserve.

Zephon Common Swing Bridge

The Zephon Common Swing Bridge, takes the nature reserve footpath over one of only two swing bridges on the Basingstoke Canal.

As luck would have it, when we arrived the crew of Bramble were preparing to open the bridge!

It took some effort, but after some serious heaving the bridge began to swing, pivoting on its nature reserve end.

With impressive skill, the Captain of Bramble manoeuvered through the narrow gap.

And the bridge closed again, as if nothing had happened!

A Circular Walk Along the Basingstoke Canal

There is a lovely circular walk from the Zebon Copse car park, through the nature reserve, along the Basingstoke Canal and ending at the play areas.

The Zebon Copse Play Areas

Next to the nature reserve is the fantastic Zebon Copse Play Area. It has an area for younger children

and another area for older children with the longest obstacle course we have seen!

Finding the Reserve and Canal

If you stand in the car park with your back to the play area, there is a little footpath hidden under the trees. This will take you towards the Zebon Copse Nature Reserve and also the Basingstoke Canal.

Signposts on the right mark the entrance to the nature reserve.

The Basingstoke Canal is at the end of this path and on the left at the end. This is an easy five minute walk from the car park.

Nearest Town: Church Crookham, near Fleet
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU52 0ZE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park next to the play area and a short walk from the nature reserve.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2016
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Zebon Copse Nature Reserve in Church Crookham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Thor’s Den Play Area

The equipment includes:

• toddler swings (with short ropes)
• a very small slide for young children with musical chimes and cogs
• a larger slide and multiplay with bridges and an abacus
• two deer springers
• a seesaw

• a basket swing
• a roundabout
• a zip wire
• a picnic table
• seats for adults.

Note that the larger slide is best suited to older children – it does not have easy to climb stairs and has a high, wobbly bridge.

Thursley Common

Thursley Common is a breathtaking National Nature Reserve with a wonderful, fresh atmosphere and a range of habitats, including areas of peat bogs

and ponds.

It has carnivorous plants

boardwalks

and dragons (lizards or dragonflies – take your pick!)

Nearest Town: Thursley, near Milford and Hindhead
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6QD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Insects and birds.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: October 2024

Our visit to Thor’s Den or Thursley Play Area in Thursley, near Milford and Hindhead, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Lakeside Nature Reserve

A path leads around the lake

past the brass rubbing posts.

boardwalks

and woodland.

The River Blackwater

To find Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path, follow one of the paths next to the play area (heading away and to the right of the car park). 

The Paths

Most of the paths through the nature reserve are buggy friendly and easy to walk on. 

There are a few paths that are wilder too, like this path through the meadow. 

Lakeside Nature Reserve Play Area

Next to the lake and the car park is the Lakeside Nature Reserve Play Area.

The play equipment includes: 

• basket swing
• a climbing wall 
• rocks to climb on
• a zip wire 

• a spinning seesaw
• a large spinning seesaw (which was fenced off)
• a spinning disc 
• picnic tables.

Nearest Town: Ash Vale, near Aldershot
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU12 5AA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a good-sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, tadpoles, frogs, birds and insects.

Information Written: June 2021
Information Checked: June 2022

Our visit to Lakeside Nature Reserve is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path is 23 miles long, marked by signposts and divided into 12 sections.  

These sections follow the river, are not circular and do not finish where they start.  

Blackwater Valley Path Section 1: Rowhill Nature Reserve to Pea Bridge 

Section 1 starts at Rowhill Nature Reserve car park

and leads you past the boggy source of the Blackwater, 

where it then follows the infant river.

The path leads onto the streets 

and footpaths of Badshot Lea 

and Aldershot. 

Section 1 ends at Pea Bridge, where section 2 begins.

Rowhill Nature Reserve

Rowhill Nature Reserve is a captivating nature reserve of ancient woodland with stumps to balance on,

trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

The Source of the Blackwater

The source of the Blackwater River is a bog marked by an information board.  

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into Stickleback Pond. 

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater is a small stream along section 1 

that has little waterfalls and spots to splash in. 

Once you leave the reserve, the river becomes a little wider and deeper and there is no access. 

The Paths Along Section 1

I found the paths within Rowhill Nature Reserve easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. 

The paths through Aldershot from pavements to footpaths. 

Some of the footpaths were narrow but they were all flat and easy to use.

There are some road crossings, which you need to cross with care.  Please see the Section 1 route description for full details. 

Would We Go Back?

We really enjoy Rowhill Nature Reserve and visit regularly but for me, the walk beyond the reserve does not add much as you do not really see the river.  I don’t expect to visit this part of section 1 again. 

Where to Next?

Downstream – Section 2:  Pea Bridge to Shawfields

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Rowhill Nature Reserve: GU11 3BD
Nearest Postcode for Pea Bridge: GU11 3RD or GU11 3QJ (see below under Parking for details).

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD), which can be busy. To park near Pea Bridge you can either park on the road near Tice’s Meadow (GU11 3RD) or park in the car park at Brickfields Country Park (GU11 3QJ) and walk down.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: May 2024

Our visit to Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot to Pea Bridge in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Rowhill Nature Reserve

There are stumps to balance on, trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

The Source of the Blackwater

The source of the Blackwater River is an area of bog. It is next to the pond and marked with an information board.  

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into… 

Stickleback Pond

…Stickleback Pond, which has a small dam and waterfall. 

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater quickly becomes stream-sized 

and has little waterfalls and spots to paddle in.

Den Building

The paths wind through deciduous woodland with a spot for den building…

Rhododendron Avenue

…and along Rhododendron Avenue before coming to a tranquil meadow and field surrounded by trees.

The Paths 

I found the paths easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. There are paths that are narrow in places but they were all just ok for my narrow double buggy.

There are two paths that both start from the car park on Cranmore Lane:

1. The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path starts at the end of the car park near the white house and meanders through the reserve staying close to the River Blackwater.

This is Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path and is not a circular path and follows the river out of the reserve at Parkland Grove.

2. The Nature Trail

This is about 1.5 miles long and is marked by a series of posts, starting at the field centre (the wooden building next to the car park).

This is a circular path and begins and ends at the car park on Cranmore Lane.

This trail leads up over steps and a steep hill but these can be avoided if you follow the Blackwater Valley Path to the source of the River Blackwater, where the two paths meet up.

A copy of the nature trail can be found on the Rowhill Nature Reserve website, which marks the steps and an easy access, special needs path that can be accessed from Parkland Grove (GU9 9HA).

50 Things to Do

You could also tackle the 50 Things to Do at Rowhill Copse sheet the reserve have put together.  

How many can you complete?

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU11 3BD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD). This can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2024

Our visit to Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Petersfield Heath Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a tyre swing 
• a rocking horse 
• a slide built into the hill 
• a roundabout 

• springers 
• a multiplay with a slide and binoculars 
• a sunken pirate ship sand pit 
• a tunnel
• a wooden climbing frame obstacle course with a slide and climbing wall.

Next to the play area are picnic tables 

and The Plump Duck cafe.

Petersfield Heath

This is ancient heathland with a large pond 

boat hire 

and a circular trail. 

Nearest Town: Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU31 4LB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at The Plump Duck cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Lizards, insects, ducks, swans, geese, kingfishers and other birds.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Petersfield Heath and Play Area in Petersfield is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Fun at the Beach…

The pond has several sandy beaches where you can have fun wading, paddling and splashing. You can also pond dip, build sand castles and feed the ducks. 

The biggest beaches are on the car park side of the pond but there are a few smaller beaches in other parts too. 

…but No Swimming

Swimming is not allowed at Frensham Little Pond to protect the pond habitat, but you can swim at the nearby Frensham Great Pond. 

The Tern Cafe

The Tern Cafe is next to the pond and only a short walk from the car park. It offers snacks, drinks and ice creams and has picnic tables, some under cover. 

Bird Hide

What will you spy from the bird hide?

The Walks

Although this is called Frensham Little Pond, it is not small – it took us about an hour to walk all the way around. There are benches and a boardwalk along the way. 

There is also a Frensham Little Pond Family Trail you can follow around the pond. 

The Paths

Most of the paths were easy to push a normal buggy across. Some do have tree roots. There are sandy stretches onto Frensham Common that are tougher.

Frensham Common

Frensham Little Pond is part of Frensham Common, an area of open and airy heathland with woods and beautiful viewpoints.

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 3BT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the Tern Cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: You can push a buggy around the pond but choose one that can cope with sand and roots. 

Parking: There are several car parks but they can be very busy when the weather is warm.
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members or from £1.50 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Lots of birds, including ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and squirrels.

Information Written: March 2016
Information Checked: November 2023

Our visit to Frensham Little Pond near Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Pirate Ship Play Area

The pirate ship multiplay has a slide, a hammock, a cargo net, a climbing wall and easy to climb steps. 

Next to it is a water play area with wheels, chutes and a water pump. 

There is also a wide slide with a ramp, a spinning disc and a rock pile and basket swing.

Adventure Play Area

The adventure play area has the following equipment:

• a tube slide and wooden climbing frame with a climbing wall, a ladder, a fireman’s pole and easy to climb stairs 
• a wooden climbing frame made of logs 
• an obstacle course with nets, wobbly logs and ropes
• a spinning disc 
• hammocks 
• musical stepping stones
• toddler swings 
• swings
• a cradle swing
• a zip wire 
• a trampoline
• picnic tables 
• seats.

The Cafe

Next to the play area is Jacksons cafe and also a kiosk.

The Paddling Pool

California Country Park has a paddling pool you pay to use.  This is only open during the summer.

At the time of writing it was £2.90 for anyone entering the water and £1.20 for adults going in to supervise but not swim.  

California Country Park

As well as the adventure play area, Calirfornia Country Park has four main areas – Longmoor Lake, heathland, woodland and Longmoor Bog, an 8,000 year old mire accessible by boardwalk.

The Walks

The park map suggests different  walks that take you around the lake, through some woodland or over a small boardwalk. 

Scooters and Bikes

We often take bikes and scooters on a twenty minute, circular route around the lake.   This route is surfaced and starts and finishes at the adventure play area. 

Nearest Town: Finchamstead
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG40 4HU

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, cafe, ice creams, snacks, drinks, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Various charges depending on the season. 

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, snakes, birds, ducks, swans, geese and other birds.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: February 2023

Our visit to California Country Park and Adventure Play Area in Finchampstead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve

The reserve is about 20 acres of heathland, woodland and marshland, criss-crossed with pathways and dotted with play areas. 

There is also a stream and a duck pond. 

The Wildlife

We saw plenty of wildlife – ducks, Canada geese, beetles, squirrels, birds, caterpillars, butterflies. 

We also saw the grazing cows, which wander freely.

The M3

The M3 motorway rumbles along the side of the reserve. It is not the most peaceful place we have been to but we found that the noise soon faded into the background.

Finding Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve

To find the nature reserve from St Swithins Road, use the wide footpath at the top of the road. 

This takes you to a gate to Elvetham Heath and also to the Post Haste Play Area.

Post Haste Play Area

Post Haste Play Area is on the edge of Elvetham Heath nature reserve and has a wagon multiplay and some swings. 

Choice of Walks

From the Elvetham Heath Gate and Post Haste Play Area you have a couple of walks to choose from. 

A Second Play Area

Turn left out of the play area and onto the path that runs along the heath. This will eventually come to the Twyford Close Play Area. 

This takes about ten minutes at an adult pace and can be cycled or scootered.

Finding the Duck Pond

Your second option follows the same path between Post Haste Play Area and the heath. This time take the gate on the left. 

This path will take you across the heath, over a boardwalk 

to a duck pond 

and carved picnic tables. 

It takes about fifteen minutes to reach the duck pond at an adult pace. The path is stony.

Nearest Town: Elvetham Heath, near Fleet
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU51 1GL

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: There are buggy friendly paths. 

Parking: There is a car park next to the Elvetham Heath community centre (GU51 1HA) but we try to park on the nearby St Swithins Road (GU51 1GL), between Stephyns Road and Turbary Road.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, squirrels, ducks, Canada geese, stag beetles, birds, lizards, sundews, grass snakes, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2016
Information Checked: June 2022

Our visit to Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve in Elvetham Heath, near Fleet, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Park 

Lily Hill Park has lots of different areas, including an Edwardian water garden

a traditional orchard

woodland

and meadows. 

For full details please see Bracknell Forest Council’s Lily Hill Park leaflet. 

Wooden Sculptures 

There are a few wooden structures and sculptures to find too:

Father Oak

the Storytelling Throne 

the amphitheatre 

the giant picnic bench. 

Orienteering 

There is a permanent orienteering course of 20 points to find scattered around the park. You can download a copy of the orienteering map from the Bracknell Forest Council website. 

Mystery Brass Rubbing Trail 

There are 23 brass rubbing posts to find around the park that form a nature trail. So grab some crayons and a copy of the brass rubbing trail and see how many you can find! You can download a copy of the brass rubbing trail from the Bracknell Forest Council website. 

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 2RX

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic tables

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly but some of the paths have stairs.

Parking: There are two car parks – one at RG12 2RX and the other is at RG12 2UJ (next to the Running Horse pub). 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Insects, butterflies, squirrels and birds.

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Lily Hill Park in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Winnall Moors

Winnall Moors is a nature reserve in the centre of Winchester. 

With bridges, a boardwalk and the glorious River Itchen, it is one not to be missed. 

The Water Vole Trail

A fun way to reach Winnall Moors is to follow the Water Vole Trail from Winchester town centre, along the River Itchen, and to the gates of the nature reserve. 

The trail is marked by little metal markers on the floor 

and information boards. 

As you follow the trail, keep an eye out for water voles or listen out for the ‘plop’ they make as they drop into the water.

The Water Vole trail is 500 metres long and took us about 20 minutes at a child’s pace. For further details, please visit the Water Vole Trail website.

The Adventure of Winnall Moors

The Winnall Moors Story Trail begins with a search for the Roadway, which is invisible unless you know the secret password…

Along the way you’ll meet a cast of characters, including Samuel Slipper, the Toad Emperor, Super Slug, and eventually, King-Fisher himself.

The Paths

The paths are flat and easy to walk along. 

 

Nearest Town: Winchester
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO23 8DX

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at a cafe in Winchester or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic area in the nature reserve and there are cafes in Winchester. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy-friendly.

Parking: There are several different car parks nearby. We parked in Chesil Street Multi Storey Pay and Display Car Park (SO23 0HU), which meant we could follow the Water Vole Trail to Winnall Moors. 
Cost of Parking: Varies by car park.

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, damselflies and other insects; ducks, swans, kingfishers and other birds; otters; brown trout and other fish.

Information Written: June 2021

Our visit to Winnall Moors Nature Reserve and the Winnall Moors Nature Reserve Story Trail in Winchester is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Pirate Ship Play Area

To the right of the car park is a pirate ship in a sand pit, complete with a pulley and chute system, an anchor, and a ship’s wheel. There are also:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a long slide with easy to climb steps
• a wooden climbing frame
• a log balance course
• a spinning disc
• a tyre swing
• a rope climbing frame
• spinning swings
• child-sized picnic tables.

The Second Play Area

A short walk to the left of the car park, is a second play area with equipment that includes:

• a multiplay with ropes, a small climbing wall and easy to climb steps
• springers
• a seesaw
• a spinning disc
• a basket swing 
• a rope climbing frame 
• a climbing wall
• a DJ controller where you can mix music 
• a sensory garden.

Mill Pond

Next to the Pirate Play Area is a small area of woodland, a pond you can walk around, and ducks to feed. 

Sports Facilities

There is also a range of sports facilities, including:

• a Blue Bac Ball, which is a game where you compete against another player

• multi-use games area with a basketball net and football goal

• an Olympic Legacy wall that you can take a time trial challenge on. This wall is an obstacle course with things like a climbing wall, monkey bars, and a trapeze

• a skate park.

The Cafe

By the pond is a cafe that serves drinks, snacks and ice creams. McDonalds is also next door.

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 7WT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. There is also a cafe and a McDonalds next to the play area. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice creams, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park next to the pirate ship play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, insects and squirrels.

Information Written: November 2016
Information Checked: October 2020

Our visit to Mill Park and Mill Pond Play Area in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Brass Rubbing Trails

Brass rubbing trails of varying lengths snake through the woods. Each is marked by arrows and posts topped with a numbered brass rubbing plate.

Be sure to bring pencils or crayons and some paper!

Sculptures 

I love stumbling across sculptures in the wild and we found two hidden at Bordon Inclosure – some hunters with spears and a large toad!

The Natural Play Area

The natural play area has mud hills to climb up and a balance trail made of logs and tree stumps.

The King Oak 

Near the natural play area we discovered a fairy tale glade where a 400 year-old oak tree seems to spring from nowhere. This is the King Oak, with sprawling branches and a wonderfully twisted trunk.

The Heart of Oak Throne 

Underneath the Kings Oak is the Heart of Oak throne, which makes the perfect spot to tell the children a fairy tale or, if they’re feeling brave, a spooky story.

The River Wey

The River Wey runs through the Inclosure, closely followed by a boardwalk.

As we wandered along the bank of the River Wey, we heard a rushing noise that sounded like a waterfall. Disappointingly, it turned out to be water gushing through an overhead pipe and out on the other side.

Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve

A pathway connects the Bordon Inclosure with the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve, another beautiful stretch of woodland on the River Wey.

Special Events

The Bordon Inclosure is managed by the Deadwater Valley Trust and they run special events, some of which are aimed at children. 

Our visit coincided with their Halloween event. The rangers were in Halloween costumes and had set up a stand playing Halloween music and selling hot chocolate. A trail of pumpkins lead from the stand to the natural play area, with Halloween themed games and activities. The rangers had clearly gone to a lot of effort and we had a fantastic time. 

Please see the Deadwater Valley Trust website for details of forthcoming events.

Nearest Town: Bordon, near Farnham and Liphook
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU35 0LA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and blanket!
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: We found Bordon Inclosure buggy friendly. We took an all terrain buggy but saw other families using normal buggies. The earth pathways are generally compact but can be muddy. Parts of the Inclosure are hilly and some paths are edged by steep drops without fences.

Parking: There is a small car park next to the Inclosure’s entrance (GU35 0LA). It was not busy when we arrived but was completely full after the Halloween event started.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, slow worms, lizards, otters, fungi, butterflies, dragonflies and insects.

Information Written: October 2017

Our visit to Bordon Inclosure in Bordon, near Farnham and Liphook, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Stoke Meadows

Also known as Stoke Meadows, Riverside Park Nature Reserve is an 80-hectare nature reserve with a range of habitats, including the River Wey, marshy reed beds, a lake, ponds, meadows and woodland.

The Wildlife

The reserve might run alongside the A3 but it is bursting with life.

We saw butterflies, Canada geese and demoiselles everywhere and walked under a noisy rookery where we collected 20 feathers in five minutes.

Which Way?

Part of the fun of Riverside Park is choosing which of the paths to explore.

We started at the car park, walked past an enormous pylon and into a meadow swarming with butterflies.

The Wey Way

At the first fork in the road, we turned right and discovered the River Wey. It was almost completely still, disturbed only every so often by a passing boat.

The path ran beside the river, past hundreds of dancing damselflies that the children mistook for fairies.

Stoke Lock

Stoke Lock was built in the 1600s and is the oldest lock in Surrey. When we arrived it was in action, lifting a boat up 2 metres so it could continue its voyage down the river.

The Boardwalk

We headed back into the nature reserve and discovered a fantastic boardwalk that allowed us to walk through the reeds and over a marsh.

Exploring this is great fun and we discovered ornately carved benches, a wooden dragonfly sculpture 

and a secret bird hide.

Pond Dipping

We also found a pond dipping platform with instructions and pictures of the creatures we might find.

The Lake

Once you reach the lake you have a choice – walk around it, head under the A3 and into Thorneycroft Wood or head back to the car park. 

The Map

The reserve is large and there is a lot to see. There is a map in on a board in the car park. If you take a picture with your phone then you have a handy guide to take on your walk. 

The Paths

There are benches and picnic tables dotted around the reserve where weary little legs can have a rest.

The footpaths around the meadows and the lake are surfaced with stones. 

The paths along the River Wey are a combination of mud and grass. They were dry when we visited but must become muddy in wet months.

Nearest Town: Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 7ND (or GU1 1UP)

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly. I used an all-terrain double buggy during our visit and did not have any issues. The boardwalk was wide enough for the buggy but there was not a lot of wiggle room.

Parking: The reserve’s main car park (GU4 7ND) is right next to the A3. There were plenty of spaces when we visited. There is also a second car park at The Spectrum (GU1 1UP) but to reach the main reserve from here you need to walk under the A3. There is a lot of road noise in the parts of the reserve next to the A3.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, coots, moorhens, damselflies, dragonflies, butterflies, insects, grey wagtails and kingfishers.

Information Written: June 2017

Our visit to Riverside Park Nature Reserve in Guildford, also known as Stoke Meadows in Guildford, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Fleet Pond

Fleet Pond is a nature reserve and SSSI with woods, heath and marshes all surrounding the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire. 

Ducks, Ducks and More Ducks

Fleet Pond is a pretty place with lots to explore – boardwalks, jetties, three different trails, a beach with a paddling area and lots of ducks, swans and waterbirds. There are also some great paddling spots.

Passing Trains

The reserve is quiet and peaceful, except the path along the northern shore of the lake, which has high-speed trains rocketing past it at regular intervals. This was a bit of a surprise at first but my children found it exciting.

The Paths

The paths are surfaced and easy to push a buggy along but were very muddy in places. There are also stretches of boardwalk.

The Princess, the Pike and the Pond

We visited Fleet Pond to try out a story trail called “The Princess, the Pike and the Pond“. These are walks put together by Hampshire CC with interactive stories to read along the way, as told by a cute character called the Story Snail. 

Finding a Copy of the Story Trail

To follow the Story Trail you need a free pack that you can either borrow from a specified place (with a Hampshire Library card and a £20 returnable deposit) or download a story trail from the internet in written or audio form. Each pack has a map to follow and the trail itself is marked with arrows and/or pictures of the Story Snail.

Nearest Town: Fleet
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU51 2RR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic area.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, waterbirds, birds and squirrels.

Information Written: January 2017

Our visit to Fleet Pond in Fleet is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

South Hill Park

The grounds divide into two areas – South Lake and North Lake. Each has a lake, marked trails, an orienteering course, and play areas.

South Hill Park South Lake

A walk around South Lake’s landscaped gardens takes you past the lake with its fountain, bridge, and ducks

and through a wooded area with an amphitheatre, story telling seat, and hidden pet cemetery.

South Lake has two play areas: the Toddlers’ Play Area with its musical stepping stones,

and the fun Hedgehog Park with its long slide.

South Hill Park North Lake

North Lake is wilder, with woodland, a long lake, a boardwalk over a small marsh 

and South Hill Road Play Area, a large adventure play area with zip wires, climbing nets and a balance course.

Orienteering

There are two orienteering courses available at South Hill Park. One leads you around South Lake and the other around North Lake.

Visit South Hill Park’s website to find these maps and answers.

Arts Venue

The house itself is now an arts venue with sculptures, a gallery, the Wilde Theatre, a cinema and a cafe. It hosts child friendly classes, and child friendly theatre productions.

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 7PA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat in the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, cafe, snacks, ice cream, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a good-sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Animals You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, squirrels and herons.

Information Written: November 2016

Our visit to South Hill Park in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Streams

There is something magical about the twists and turns of the streams at Fox Corner. 

The Wildlife

In the spring and summer months there are mice, roe deer, birds, butterflies and stag beetles as well as lots of pond life. 

What we did see were lots of fabulous fungus, beautiful autumn colours and a low flying pheasant that suddenly crashed across our path.

The Paths

The paths were easy to push a buggy along. 

Nearest Town: Fox Corner, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU3 3PP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: Two hours.
Buggies: We used an all-terrain buggy without any problems.

Parking: There is no car park. The Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area website suggests parking on Berry Lane (GU3 3PU). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Pheasants, mice, roe deer, birds, butterflies and stag beetles as well as lots of pond life.

Information Written: October 2016

Our visit to Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area in Guildford is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Thundry Meadows

Thundry Meadows, which is skirted by the River Wey, is a tranquil mix of water meadows, heathland and marshland and is teeming with wildlife.

The Inhabitants

We saw spiders, dragonflies, butterflies, grasshoppers, birds, cows, a frog and a family of Canada geese.

Buggy Issues

Accessing Thundry Meadows was difficult. It is certainly not buggy friendly. The entrance was a stile, the paths were overgrown and the boardwalk narrow. 

Practicalities aside, in many ways these problems just added to the fun.

Cattle Grazing

When we visited there were cattle grazing, which meant there was also an electric fence. The cattle are generally resident from April to October.

Finding It!

Thundry Meadows was a little hard to find and I drove past it twice. To find it look for a small lay-by with a large wooden gate on the southern side of Waverley Lane. The lay-by is nearly opposite Seale Road. 

Nearest Town: Elstead, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: I found it hard to use a buggy here.  

Parking: There is no car park but there is space for about three cars in the lay-by (see above).
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Spiders, dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, grasshoppers, birds, cattle (at times), snakes, frogs, ducks and Canada geese.

Information Written: July 2016

Our visit to Thundry Meadows, Farnham, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.