Wildmoor Heath

Open access at Wildmoor Heath Wildmoor Heath is a large 99 hectare lowland heath site that provides a rich habitat for wildlife, including several rare species of birds. The main car park is located off Crowthorne road, 1 mile north of Sandhurst station GU47 8PD. OS Ref: SU 842 627. View a map of the location.

Facilities and key features

Wildmoor Heath is one of the most valuable areas in Bracknell Forest Borough for supporting and conserving biodiversity.
Three rare birds; the Woodlark, Nightjar and Dartford Warbler depend upon the lowland heath, which is protected by SPA (Special Protection Area) and SSSI (Site Special Scientific Interest) status.
Over 55 bird species have been recorded at Wildmoor, including the Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Whitethroat and Reed Bunting.
The following Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species are also found at this site:

                 *Devil’s-bit scabious
                 *Ragged robin
                 *Round-leaved sundew
                 *Glow-worm
                 *Silver-studded blue butterfly
                 *Stag beetle
                 *Bullfinch
                 *Hobby
                 *Kingfisher

Among the many invertebrates on the site is the Raft Spider, which lives in the moss-filled pools of the bog, and dragonflies and damselflies such as the Keeled Skimmer and Red Darter.
Foxes and Roe Deer are also present, and are easiest to find at dawn and dusk, while a number of bat species can be seen on warm summer evenings as they catch insects around the edges of trees and bushes.

Leaflet available Parking available

Management

New Interpretation at Wildmoor Heath The site is jointly-owned by Bracknell Forest Council and the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and managed in partnership as a Nature Reserve. Traditional management practices such as grazing and scrub cutting are carried out to maintain the heathland for biodiversity.

Information boards have been installed to keep visitors informed about the local wildlife along with new signage, fencing and footpath improvements. This will help to protect the many species found on the lowland heath.

Ground nesting birds are particularly sensitive to disturbance by dogs. In order to allow birds to raise their chicks, please stick to the paths and keep dogs on leads during the nesting season shown on the seasonal notices.

SANGs

If you wish to visit less sensitive sites then you might like to visit one of our Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace sites (SANGs) listed below. These are areas of existing open green spaces that have been identified as being suitable for enhancement to create an enjoyable natural environment for recreation, away from the Thames Basin Heath SPA.