The River Kennet and the Kennet & Avon canal pass through the centre of NDOC's recording area from west to east, and almost any part of it can provide excellent birding at all times of the year, but especially during spring and early summer. It remains one of the few areas in Berkshire for the occasional Grasshopper Warbler, plus Water Vole particularly between Hungerford and Kintbury. Nightingales used to be regular but these appear to have reduced in number drastically in recent years. Grey Wagtails frequent the old sluices and locks, Kingfishers can always be found, and the old trees often hold Tawny and Little Owl, with Barn Owl quartering the adjacent fields. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker can also sometimes be seen. East of Newbury the aspect is more open, but gives wide views across the fields and marshy areas, Thatcham's fishing lakes and the gravel pits around Woolhampton.