Where to See Wildlife in Buckinghamshire (and How to Get Closer to It)

2026-02-12T16:56:22Z

Written by Harry Rice, Chiltern Wildlife

Buckinghamshire is one of those places where you don’t need to travel far for great wildlife. You just need to know where to look, and when to slow down, even in the most built-up areas.

My name’s Harry Rice and I’m a local wildlife guide and photographer based near Chesham. Through Chiltern Wildlife, I run small-group wildlife walks and photography experiences across the county, with a particular focus on Red Kites. I also hold a PhD in climate change risk, and I’ve always been drawn to how nature, place and wellbeing overlap.

If you’re looking for the best places to see wildlife in Bucks, here are some of the locations I’d most highly recommend.

Walking the River Chess (Chenies and Latimer)

If you want a walk that feels quietly wild, with plenty of good options for pub stops, you can’t beat the River Chess. Chalk streams are a globally rare habitat, found almost nowhere outside southern England, and the Chess is one of Buckinghamshire’s real gems.

My favourite stretch is the route around Chenies and Latimer, where you get a beautiful mix of clear water, hedgerows and open fields. This part of the Chess is a real hotspot for Kingfishers, and one of the most encouraging stories on the river has been the spectacular recovery of Water Voles, now turning up not only in the quieter valley stretches, but all the way into Chesham town. Look out for carefully chewed reed leaves as a tell-tale sign they’ve been about.

It’s also a wonderful river for simply slowing down and watching. On a still day you can often spot Brown Trout and Grayling holding position in the flow. It’s hard not to feel a bit hopeful seeing these species making a comeback in a landscape that’s under so much pressure, largely thanks to the great work of organisations such as the River Chess Association. If you’re there early in the morning or late in the evening, you might even get a glimpse of the ghostly spectre of a Barn Owl silently quartering low over the fields beside the river.

The Pednor Loop

For a classic Chiltern walk with consistently good wildlife, the Pednor loop is one of the best. This is where Buckinghamshire really shows off its raptors, with rolling farmland, woodland edges, and wide skies that create perfect hunting conditions for Red Kites, Kestrels, Buzzards and much more.

If you do one wildlife walk in Bucks, this is the one I’d recommend for the sheer likelihood of seeing birds of prey. Red Kites are almost a constant presence, with their lazy circling and sudden low swoops, while Buzzards call from the treeline and ride the thermals overhead. It’s also a brilliant area for Kestrels, often hovering just above the fields or sitting on phone wires. You’ve also got an excellent chance of spotting Roe deer moving quietly between hedgerows, woodland margins and open fields, especially in winter when the vegetation is less dense.

Learn more about The Pednor Loop here

Wendover Woods

Wendover Woods is a fantastic option if you want woodland wildlife and a slightly different feel from the open valleys. Alongside the usual woodland birds such as tits, finches, nuthatches and great spotted woodpeckers, there’s always the chance of something a bit more exciting.

Wendover Woods can produce Firecrests and even Crossbills, which are always a treat in Buckinghamshire. It also has the added bonus of a great café and other amenities, making it one of the best places for a proper half-day wildlife wander.

I’m currently developing a series of wildlife photography workshops at Wendover Woods, launching shortly, focused on fieldcraft, composition, and learning to photograph wildlife responsibly.

Learn more about Wendover Woods here

A More Urban Wildlife Option: High Wycombe Peregrines

For something a little different, and a brilliant way to break up a shopping trip or day in town, I’d highly recommend visiting All Saints Church in the centre of High Wycombe. The church hosts a pair of Peregrine Falcons, and in the summer months you can often watch them breeding and raising chicks.

You can also follow their progress on the All Saints website, which runs a live camera during the summer season.

What I Offer As a Guide

My tours are designed to be calm, friendly and wildlife-first. They are perfect for photographers, birdwatchers, or anyone who simply wants to experience the Chilterns in a deeper way. For peace of mind, I am fully insured and hold an enhanced DBS check.

You can find me on Instagram at @chiltern_wildlife or visit chilternwildlife.com for tours, workshops and availability. Alternatively, you can email me at [email protected]