Dan posted an update
10 months ago (edited)
Moor Copse Nature Reserve, Reading Berkshire
Late May 2025
This place is a real gem. It offers beautiful woodland with winding forest tracks, plenty of open meadows, a river, and best of all – no people. I only saw one other person during my time there, and that was after I’d walked through the entire area and brushed the A340 and its car park, where I saw a dog walker. I changed direction and returned to the woodland area.
The sound of the nearby M4 motorway didn’t bother me, but it was loud. It’s a major route in and out of London, and the noise carried on through the night and might be off-putting to some.
There are plenty of deer in the area, and a number of gated, high-fenced sections. I presume they are to keep them out. These areas are accessible, but you’ll also come across some fenced or signed-off areas, like the one I camped near. One gate, for example, was marked as a sensitive area with a clear request not to enter. Please respect these signs and stay out of any restricted areas.
Coordinates:
GPS:SU 63790 73703
Google Maps:51°27’34.4″N 1°04’59.8″W
What3words:///gravel.pilots.wire
Getting there:
I have no idea about public transport, but the area is close to Reading and there should be pretty good public transport links.
I drove and parked in the Tilehurst/Calcot area on a quiet road calledFarm Drive, off City road. This estate has plenty of free on-street parking.
I choose it because it offers easy access to the Moor Copse via paths which pass Wilder’s Folly.
I’m not sure about public transport in the area, but as the area is close to Reading, there should be pretty good transport links.
I drove and parked in the Tilehurst/Calcot area, on a quiet road called Farm Drive, just off City Road. The estate offers plenty of free on-street parking..
I chose this spot because it provides easy access to Moor Copse Nature Reserve via footpaths that also take you past Wilder’s Folly- a nice bonus on the way in.
Heads up:
Just a couple of things to mention:
As I mentioned earlier, there are some clearly marked conservation areas with signs asking visitors not to enter. I camped near the gate of one of these zones but did not go beyond it. There are also several high-fenced areas that are off-limits. Please respect all signs and boundaries- they’re in place for a reason.
This is a rule I always follow without exception. I might wild camp, but I never enter areas that are protected or closed to the public, especially during sensitive times like bird nesting season.
While I was taking some photos near Wilder’s Folly, a group of young lads on electric bikes appeared from the woodland between the folly and the nearby estate. I left the area straightaway and had no issues.
Moor Copse runs alongside the M4 and the traffic noise is loud and continuous. It doesn’t bother me, and it’s one of the reasons I picked the spot. I thought the proximity to the m4 would put people off visiting, and that seemed true. I didn’t see a single person until I reached the car park near the A340.
Good internet and phone signal throughout the area.
#bivicamp #berkshire #moorcopse #naturereserve #wildcamp
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