Buckler’s Forest tree work

What we are doing

We are undertaking woodland management work at Buckler’s Forest, Crowthorne.

We have thinned trees and created temporary glades (open wooded areas) in some areas in the conifer plantation. The map below shows these areas.

We carried out this management work in 2 phases, last autumn and this January.

The cut material will be removed from the site later.

We are planting approximately 650 native trees to boost woodland regeneration.

This work is being done as part of the 10-year woodland management plan.

We have a felling licence for this work (Forestry Commission reference 1475). 

Why we are doing this

We are doing this:

• as the work is identified in the woodland and site management plan
• to enhance the mix of wildlife-rich habitats
• to improve habitat connectivity, on site and into neighbouring areas
• to maintain and improve site amenity value for visitors
• for future maintenance requirements
• to build in resilience to factors, such as climate change and wildfires

Selective woodland thinning

The woodland plantation at Buckler’s Forest is made up of conifer species, which are of similar ages and heights. This type of monoculture is not good for woodland biodiversity. It is also a potential future maintenance concern.

The thinned areas will benefit species known to live at Buckler’s Forest and increase the lowland heath coverage on site.

These management work will establish a better mix of habitats, where wildlife can thrive and a more varied landscape for visitors to enjoy.

Temporary woodland glades - open areas

Glades are areas of open woodland, which are usually rich in wildlife.

We are establishing new temporary glades at Buckler’s Forest in areas where the most improvement to biodiversity can be made. This is in areas where Western Hemlock grows.

Western Hemlock is a non-native, evergreen species that grows densely, blocking out light for other species. Removing it will allow more light to reach the forest floor. This will benefit other young trees, shrubs and plants.

For the first 5 years, these temporary glades will serve as areas of open woodland. They will provide habitat for birds such as woodlarks and nightjars, which favour bare patches of ground and clearings for ground nesting.

Reptiles like slow worms and common lizards like these sunny spots, where they can warm themselves.

After 5 years, the glades will start to transform into new young mixed woodland. At this point, new temporary glades will be created in another part of the conifer plantation. In the long-term this will create a mosaic of age structures through the forest.

Woodland regeneration

We will plant native trees, to boost woodland regeneration in the three areas to the north. 

We will prepare the ground to give the new trees the best chances of survival, including scraping off the thick humus layer of needles. 

Tree planting is anticipated to be finished by the end of March. We will be planting around 650 trees, which is over double the amount we are taking out. 

Trees have been carefully selected to include those species that are already found present on the site, and those which are happy to be planted in acidic soils. Trees will also be protected from deer damage with either biodegradable guards, or guards recycled from the site.

Extending lowland heath

Lowland heath is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat. Through the selective thinning, there will be more areas for plants such as heather to grow.

This will benefit heathland specific species, many of which are vulnerable across the UK and have been identified within the Bracknell Biodiversity Action Plan. Heathland areas have also been carefully selected to promote connectivity across the site and into neighbouring areas.

Precautions

We have been carefully preparing for these tree works. This includes consulting the relevant authorities such as Forestry Commission England and getting the necessary felling license.

Consultation on this proposal took place at the licence application stage. This is a statutory requirement as part of this process. The consultation was carried out by the Forestry Commission.

To minimise disruption to residents and visitors, we are:

• sending letters to residents and businesses who may be affected by this work
• providing advance site notices, so visitors can better plan their route
• sharing news of these works with residents
• planning the work to take place outside of school summer holidays
• liaising with the Forestry Commission and a felling contractor who are experienced in carrying out this type of work
• carrying the work out away from the road

To protect wildlife, we are:

• carrying out the work outside of bird nesting season
• taking advice from experts to minimise disturbance to wildlife

Funding the work

Buckler’s Forest is owned by the Land Trust. 

The Trust a charitable body which contracts with the council’s parks and countryside service to deliver on the agreed plans for the site.

There is no cost benefit to the council or the Land Trust for carrying out woodland management work.

Any revenue made from the timber sale will go towards the costs of the work tree planting and habitat maintenance.