Woolhampton Gravel Pits are situated south of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham. It is possible to access some pits from the road (track off the A4 at SU560665, no parking) but it is safer to park at the Rowbarge pub in Woolhampton village (SU572665) and follow the footpath westwards towards the pits. As well as the pits, the area around the River Kennet is a good habitat for warblers, Kingfisher and Turtle Dove. Cetti's Warbler has now reached this site. Gravel extraction has finished on all pits so there is less shallow margin than there once was but the waters attract various wildfowl, including breeding Shelduck, and migrant waders are possible in season. Common Terns and hirundines are numerous in spring and Hobby may be seen hawking over the waters. Look out for Arctic or Black Tern and Little Gull on passage. Occasional rarer Grebes such as Red-Necked have also been present here in the winter months.

Brimpton Gravel Pits are slightly further south and these days are less attractive for waterfowl and waders. There is still a small reedbed with Water Rail being possible and the scrub margins hold Nightingale, Sedge and Reed Warbler. Yellow Wagtails and Turtle Dove are also possible. Access can be made using the footpath from the Woolhampton pits or from the lay-by at SU567650.

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