Westwell Gorse

The gorse scrub around Westwell isn't going to knock your socks off with dramatic vistas, but it's proper worth an hour if you're camping nearby in Burford. This Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust reserve sits on chalky grassland studded with spiky yellow gorse - the kind of unassuming habitat that actually teems with life if you know where to look. Adders bask on sunny days, and the bird activity picks up noticeably come spring and summer.

It's a gentle walk rather than a proper hike, making it decent for families with younger legs, though there's not much to hold kids' attention beyond twenty minutes unless they're genuinely into spotting insects and ground-nesting birds. History types won't find much; this isn't about ruins or ancient sites. What you get is straightforward nature watching - and that's exactly the point.

The reserve is free to access, which is always welcome. If you're staying at Wysdom Touring Park just up the road (less than two miles away) or the Burford Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, this works as an easy morning walk before breakfast or late afternoon potter before supper. Don't expect facilities - there's a car park at the entrance, but bring water and sensible shoes because the ground can be boggy after rain. Combine it with a wander around Burford itself, which sits a short drive south and has proper cafes and shops worth your time. Go in May or June when the gorse flowers and the birds are nesting; winter is quiet and muddy.