Major work will soon begin to improve the surface of the car park, which serves the popular Buckler’s Forest greenspace in Crowthorne.
A 2-month improvement programme is due to begin on Monday 15 May. A partial closure of the car park will be required during the first phase of the work, with a full closure required later.
Buckler’s Forest greenspace can still be visited by foot or bike during this time. Residents who usually drive to the site are being encouraged to visit alternative local greenspaces. This will prevent parking and congestion on nearby roads.
The improvements will see contractors changing the car park surface to tarmac. This will make the car park more accessible to visitors and will be a more durable surface to manage.
Associated drainage work will also be carried out to improve the discharge of surface water. New gully guards will filter out potential contaminants, helping protect nearby ponds. Wildlife is also set to benefit through the provision of a new mixed native hedgerow near the car park entrance.
The improvements are being led by the Bracknell Forest Council rangers who manage Buckler’s Forest on behalf of the Land Trust, which owns the site. The Land Trust is funding the improvements. They are a charity that is committed to the long-term sustainable management of open space for community benefit.
Stephen Chown, Head of Natural Estates at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“We’re excited to work with the Land Trust to deliver these improvements for residents who enjoy visiting Buckler’s Forest.
“The new tarmac surfacing will hugely improve the accessibility of the car park for all residents, especially those with greater access needs. It will also reduce ongoing maintenance requirements to the car park, which means less potential future disruption for residents.
“The number of spaces will remain the same, and we have no plans to introduce car parking charges. It’s important to maintain free access for residents to enjoy this fantastic Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). This helps to protect the important wildlife in the nearby Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
“These are large-scale improvements that need completing and it’s necessary for us to restrict access to the car park during this time. We thank residents and visitors to Buckler’s Forest for their patience in this matter.
“While car parking spaces are unavailable, we ask residents to only visit on foot or bike. For those who’d usually drive, please consider visiting alternative nearby local greenspaces. There are many other fantastic places to choose from, which are great for activities such as dog walking.
To find alternative greenspaces, visit our parks to visit directory.
