Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve

You can start your walk either from Lakeside, Instow Road or Brookside Close. Don't just take the path round the lake. Delve into the rest of the nature reserve, beyond the weir.

This is an old woodland site, with woods shown on maps of 1750. Do a full circular tour of the wood, noting some of the large, mature oaks, finally emerging near the Gemini Oak, which may have sprouted from an acorn when Queen Anne came to the throne in 1702. Two trees joined together, or one divided into two? (Good place for a photograph). Younger walkers can try to count how many different species (you don't need to know the names).

With luck, you may even see a kingfisher along Maiden Erlegh stream.

A free leaflet is also available from Earley Town Council Offices, Radstock Lane.

Thanks to Sheila Crowson for the description and photos.