Whitegrove Copse is located to the north of Bracknell, in the parish of Warfield.
It has probably 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. As part of the Holly Spring estate the site was owned, in its last few years, by the Sheppee family. The copse was part of this self-contained estate. It provided cover as a part of pheasant shoots for the estate along with wood for fire logs and pea sticks within the gardens.
During the 1990s large areas of the land surrounding Whitegrove were developed for housing. The copse was retained as a public open space. It has been managed by the Parks and Countryside service since 1996.
Facilities
Whitegrove Copse:
- is designated as Ancient Woodland, a Local Nature Reserve and Local Wildlife Site for its high wildlife value
- has hoggin and narrow wooden board bridges which form a ‘figure of 8’ route around the copse
- has cycle paths that run from Goughs Lane to Tarragon Close and along the boundary near Top Common
Getting there
By car
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. The postcode is RG42 3SH.
OS Ref: SU878702.
By foot or bike
There is access from the cycleway linking Jigs Lane and Goughs Lane.
what3words
A what3words address refers to a 3 metre square location. Select the link or enter the 3 words into the free what3words app to find it:
- park location: ///bonds.melon.next
- roadside parking is available near: ///tigers.violin.spins
Explore the site
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Park management
The site is actively managed as a working coppice by local conservation volunteers. Hazel sticks are used for creating woven fences and hedge laying.
Wildlife
The site contains important wildlife relating to the diverse ancient woodland habitats including spring flowers such as bluebells, dead wood and old trees.
Wildlife you might spot includes:
- 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
Park guide
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Document
Whitegrove Copse
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