Planned boundary work
We will be carrying out boundary improvements this autumn.
Our rangers will be removing rotten, wooden boundary posts. They will dig a ditch and provide a new bund (shallow raised earth bank) around the site perimeter. These will provide a natural boundary and a new wildlife habitat. See update below.
We are due to start the work on Monday 20 October. We expect it to take a week to complete. We will follow up with planting wildflower seeds in the grass banks to promote biodiversity.
We will inform neighbouring residents and provide site information signs. We will also share the news more widely for residents who like to visit the site.
During any work, we may need to temporarily close some areas as a precaution. Please:
- do not cross any barriers or tape
- stay away from machinery, tools or equipment
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Wykery Copse boundary work map
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Wykery Copse is a 3.15 hectare ancient semi-natural woodland. It contains a mixture of woodland types including wet ash-maple, valley and base-rich alder, and oak with birch and hazel.
The Copse is located on the western outskirts of Bracknell and is connected to 2 surrounding play areas. It designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1984 for its important wildlife value.
Facilities
Wykery Copse has:
- an ancient woodland that’s designated a SSSI and a Local Wildlife Site for its wildlife value
- 2 associated play areas at Browning Copse and Bayden Square
- good access to the site through a timber woodland boardwalk with handrails
- 4 wooden sculptures at the entrances
Getting there
By foot
A public footpath is located to the east of the site leading to a footbridge across the A329.
The boardwalk allows for permissive access through the woodland.
There are further public rights of way at nearby Peacock Meadows, which provide links through Peacock Lane.
By car
The copse has on street parking nearby only.
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: ///silver.took.pilots
- roadside parking is available near: ///clubs.ample.rush
Park management
Wykery Copse is a fragment of ancient broadleaved woodland of a kind now drastically reduced in Berkshire. It contains a diverse mix of woodland habitat and species for its size and is further enhanced by the small stream which flows through it.
The woodland is managed to preserve its important wildlife value by Bracknell Forest Parks and Countryside Rangers and volunteers. Key aspects include retaining standing dead wood where possible, limiting public access to the woodland floor to reduce trampling of flora, small scale hazel coppicing and bracken cutting. We are also carrying out boundary work, which will improvve site security and benefit wildlife.
Community involvement
Local residents have offered their time to help litter pick and plant trees. More information about getting involved can be found on our conservation page.
Wildlife
Wykery Copse has:
- a thriving colony of rare wild service trees which are a Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan species
- other rare, local species such as purple orchid, yellow archangel, yellow pimpernel and figwort
- ancient woodland ground flora including bluebells, wood anemones, wood sorrel and primrose
- woodland understorey - blackthorn, hawthorn, honeysuckle, wild red currant, rose and dogwood
It will soon have:
- new boundary ditch, which will provide a safe corridor for wildlife to move along
- a new grass bund (raised bank) with wildflowers to benefit pollinators such as bees and butterflies
If you’re lucky you might spot greater and lesser spotted woodpeckers and roe deer.