Just north of Newbury lies this haven for wildlife which also happens to be a great place for a picnic…
On the very edge of the AONB lies Snelsmore Common which contains a range of habitats including heathland, wet mires and woodland making it home to nationally-rare bird species including nightjar, woodlark and tree pipit. The Common supports a population of adders and you could also see grass snake, common lizard and slow-worm. The large pond supports a breeding population of palmate newts. Due to the variety of wildlife, Snelsmore is a great location to visit all year round and there are various walking routes through the reserve which can also be linked up to other footpaths in the vicinity.
There is a car park and a wheelchair/buggy-friendly path as well as a roomy picnic area with raised barbecue pits. The Common is managed by Berkshire Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).
