Go Wild at Zebon Copse Nature Reserve, Church Crookham
Zebon Copse is very special for me – it’s the place that inspired me to start this website way back in 2016! The boardwalk was wonderfully overgrown and felt more like exploring a hidden jungle path than taking your children for a walk, as you can see from this photo.
With boardwalks, woodland, a walk along the gorgeous Basingstoke Canal and two play areas, I hope you will find something inspiring there too!
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.
Visit the Zebon Copse Nature Reserve website
Further Information
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
Ratings
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.
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