Snelsmore Common is a 100-hectare site located to the north of Shaw-cum-Donnington parish. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has been a Country Park since 1972. It contains heather, small trees, wet bog and woodland and is ideal for a range of recreational activities such as walking, picnics and barbecues. Dog walking is a common pastime, but please take care not to disturb the wildlife and to clean up after your dog. The Common has good car parking facilities.
The Common is an important site for ground nesting birds and other wildlife such as adders. Grazing horses and cattle may also be seen.
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust has some very helpful and detailed information about Snelsmore Common on its website. For more information, please click here or call the Reserve Manager on (01635) 35157.
There are regular events on the Common, including the following:
- Work parties, to help maintain the Common
- Health walks – the third Friday of every month at 10:00
- Regular pub rambles – an informative ramble to a local pub
- Guided walks
- Orienteering events, open to everyone and especially suitable for families, organised by Berkshire Orienteers (BKO).
