Royal Oak Valley

The site has been designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) for 2 types of habitats; alder swamp woodland and a wet meadow which contains a variety of flora and fauna. A mosaic of habitats can be found here, such as wet willow woodland, alder swamp and wet meadow. However, it is worth noting that this is a drainage area and is often very wet

Entrances can be found at either end from Handford lane and Reading Road and Old Welmore and Beaver lane, Yateley.

The site is dog friendly [2].

West Green Common

The old trees are the most important feature of the site for their historical significance and the biodiversity that they support – invertebrates, bats and birds; many are associated with their dead wood and the holes and fissures that the trees have developed.

The Common continues to be a woodland with varied habitats for wildlife and a continuity of the historic features which link it to the past. Local residents enjoy it as a peaceful place and contribute to its maintenance as a valued local amenity and resource.

Ashwell’s Copse

Ashwell’s Copse is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). It is situated in a residential area of Hook, close to the A30. Comprising of 0.6 hectares of ancient semi-natural woodland, it is a valuable wooded habitat and a peaceful place to visit. Large oak trees dominate, with an under storey of mainly Hazel and some Holly and Field Maple. In spring the ground flora is dominated by Wood Anemones and Blue Bell’s. The best time to see these woodland flowers is in April and early May when the woodland is awash with colour.

Conservation work will include cyclical coppicing of Hazel to help preserving the health of the many large oak trees. Access to the site can be found at the end of Four Acre Coppice or from several entrances on Griffin Way South.

There is a small informal path which runs through the woodland. Due to the location of the site, there are no immediate parking facilities.

The site is  dog friendly [2].

Ashwell's Copse is 10-15 minutes’ walk from Hook Station and is a minute walk from the number 10 Bus stop on Griffin Way.

River Whitewater

The River Whitewater runs from its source at Bidden to its confluence with the River Blackwater. This represents approximately nine miles of chalk stream. Founder members formed the Whitewater Valley Preservation Society in 1980 and their vision is to protect the River Whitewater and its valley. For more information about the society please visit the Whitewater Valley Preservation Society website [3].