📷 Photo by Bridge (F/O), Royal Air Force (RAF) official photographer · Public Domain · Wikimedia Commons
You'll find a large nature reserve in the southern Cotswolds near the village of Leigh, managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
The land has an interesting history—it served as RAF Blakehill Farm, a working airfield during World War II that saw action in major operations including D-Day. The runways have long since disappeared, replaced by extensive wildflower meadows and grasslands that now support thriving wildlife populations.
The reserve makes for excellent walking, with wide, generally flat paths that wind through the open countryside. Some of these paths still follow the lines of the old runways if you look carefully, offering a tangible reminder of the site's former life. Summer brings clouds of butterflies over the wildflowers, while year-round you'll hear skylarks and other ground-nesting birds calling across the grasslands. It's a peaceful spot for a long ramble or a gentle family stroll, and the expansive views across the countryside make it feel like you've stepped away from everything.
The transformation from military installation to nature reserve is quite striking—a genuine example of land being reclaimed for wildlife and restoration. It's worth combining with a visit to nearby Cricklade or the historic market town of Malmesbury, both just a few miles away, to make a fuller day out in the area.
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Photos
U. Forces · Public Domain · Wikimedia Commons