We have completed the first phase of a long-term project to remove pine trees from a woodland in Bracknell. The pine trees have been replaced with native varieties. This will:
- create a better habitat for wildlife
- make a more enjoyable place for recreation
- provide a sustainable source of timber
This is part of a wider aim to regenerate council managed coniferous forestry plantations across the borough.
The project is being monitored to check the establishment of new plantings. Options for further works will be considered where appropriate in the future.
Location
This woodland regeneration project is a pine woodland that runs either side of Crowthorne Road (A3095) in a north to south direction between Nine Mile Ride (B3430) and the Hanworth roundabout.
The plan below shows which of the pine trees have been removed. Some areas had the existing pine thinned by up to 30%, other areas had all the pine removed and new trees planted.
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Reason for the scheme
A public consultation of residents indicated concerns about the sustainability of local forestry plantations. These pine plantations were planted before the development of Bracknell. They have since come into the ownership of the council.
The pines in this location were planted as a commercial plantation some 55 to 65 years ago. Pines naturally deteriorate over time, as they cannot be effectively pruned to improve their stability or extend their age in a safe condition. Keeping these trees is therefore not a sustainable option.
According to an independent survey (Bluesky), Bracknell Forest is one of the leafiest areas in the UK with around 40% of land covered with trees. We recognise the value of woodland in the borough and the importance of preserving this important resource, which is why we’re replacing the trees with a broadleaved variety.
A mix of broadleaved species will be more beneficial to wildlife and they will be more resistant to pest and diseases. A mixed woodland will also be more resilient to climate change.
Managing the scheme
Works completed:
- removed non-native species such as rhododendron ponticum to allow the natural re-generation of native species
- thinned out specific areas of pine trees
- removed certain groups of pine trees
- planted new native woodland trees and shrubs to establish a bio-diverse, resilient future woodland environment (such as Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Birch, Beech, Holly, Hazel, Mountain Ash, Hawthorn, Spindle and Crab Apple)
- maintained the trees - including watering weeding and mulching
- despite some very difficult growing conditions the trees have flourished, they are out of the maintenance phase and are established enough to grow without external inputs
We will not be keeping or replacing the old chestnut-paling fence as in many places it has collapsed. It will not benefit the planting plan or present an attractive feature.
Impact on wildlife
An assessment of the woodland took place to verify any potential impact on wildlife currently occupying the site. The initial assessment did not identify any species that need special measures before the proposed work.
A further assessment was made shortly before start of operations to check for any species that might have occupied the site since the initial assessment. No species were identified as needing special measures.
Long-term plan
We are conducting a borough-wide comprehensive forest management plan. This will progressively replace the existing conifer plantations to broadleaf species. It will keep the landscape of existing woodlands while changing plantations into diverse woodlands of the future.
During this process, which will take decades, the quality of the woodland will be improved. Will will do this by adding more tree species of varying ages and sizes and controlling invasive species. This will lead to an improved habitat for an increased variety of insects, birds and mammals.