Runnymede, the birthplace of modern democracy, is now a beautiful open space of meadows beside The River Thames. The area is managed by The National Trust and throughout the site, you can find various art installations and memorials. Riverside walks connect you to the pleasure grounds.

The fifty-five acre Rowhill Nature Reserve is mainly made up of secondary ancient woodland. The well-signed Nature Trail follows the highlights of the reserve that include bluebell glades, boardwalks, ponds and a large meadow.

Hartland Country Park is an attractive space comprising woodland, meadows and ponds. Easy, surfaced paths lead to little surprises such as a children’s bike track, picnic area and wooden play area.

A new play trail has arrived at Itchen Valley Country Park, adding to the already excellent play facilities. Enjoy the new wooden, nature themed structures as well as walks through woodland, wildflower meadows and water meadows.

Near Bentworth, between Alton and Basingstoke, Home Farm is a landscape of meadows and woodland with butterflies and red kites soaring overhead. Surprisingly, much of this wildlife haven was actually created by carefully managed regeneration of cultivated land over the last 30 years.

The tall beech trees of Blackwood Forest provide the ideal habitat for spring bluebells. Forest Holidays manage a collection of log cabins here, but you do not need to be on one of their breaks to be able to enjoy some of their excellent facilities and of course, the bluebells.

A walk for early summer, the spectacle each year of this meadow full of pastel shaded lupins is not to to be missed.