Whitegrove Copse

Whitegrove in the Snow! Whitegrove Copse is an area of ancient woodland which is a valuable wildlife habitat and landscape feature, as well as an attractive place for woodland walks. The copse is located to the north of Bracknell, in the parish of Warfield,
OS Ref: SU878702.

Facilities and key features
Whitegrove Copse is designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and the following wildlife can be found at the site:

Bluebells in April, May
Speckled wood and holly blue butterflies
Blackcaps and chiffchaffs are migrant birds in spring
Dark bush crickets in late summer
Coal tits and goldcrests can be seen and heard in the Scot's pine, Douglas fir and larch.

History

Whitegrove Copse has been wooded since at least 1600 and possibly longer. The name may relate to the spring blossoms of Hawthorn and Crab Apple. The wood formed an essential part of the Holly Spring Estate infrastructure, providing wood and cover for deer (per R. Seward). During the 1990s large areas of the land surrounding Whitegrove were developed for housing, and the copse was retained as a public open space and managed by the Parks and Countryside service from 1996.

Mangement

The site is actively managed as a working coppice by local conservation volunteers - and the hazel sticks are used for creating woven fences and hedgelaying.

How to get there
View a map of the location

The entrance to Whitegrove Copse is located off Sage Walk and Top Common. The main access point is on Harvest Ride, near the junction with All Saints Rise. There is no car park but roadside parking is available. There is also access from the cycleway linking Jigs Lane and Goughs Lane (large site so there is no set postcode).