Maintenance work
We are carrying out habitat and drainage improvements this autumn and winter.
We have mostly finished excavating key areas to improve site access and create new wetland areas. We are carrying out further management work to tackle invasive species, such as common rhododendron. We will plant more native trees in the winter, to give biodiversity a boost.
Public access should largely remain unaffected. There may be areas we need to temporarily close as a precaution.
Nine Mile Ride drainage map. © Crown copyright and database rights 2024 Ordnance Survey AC0000814058.
What we have done
We are improving the biodiversity value of the woodland that runs alongside Nine Mile Ride (B3430), between Bagshot Road and Crowthorne Road.
So far, experienced contractors removed rhododendron ponticum and cherry laurel. We have also carried out initial tidying up and tree planting work.
We have been replanting key areas of the woodland with a mix of native broadleaved species. Trees that have been planted so far include:
- crab apple
- guelder rose
- hawthorne
- hazel
- holly
- wayfaring tree
The large white blooms of the guelder-rose attract nectar feeders, such as hoverflies, in the spring and summer. Its red berries are a favourite food of birds such as overwintering waxwings.
Take Pride volunteers have also been helping remove litter that was uncovered when the vegetation was removed.
We are:
- managing the woodland to make sure new trees successfully establish and invasive weeds are removed and suppressed
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Precautions
To minimise disruption, we:
- sent letters to residents during the first phase of works
- provided site notices about the work so visitors can better plan their route
- are sharing news of these works with residents using our usual communication channels
- are using specialist contractors experienced in carrying out this type of work
- are taking every care to protect wildlife, this includes:
- carrying out tree work outside of bird nesting season
- taking advice from wildlife experts
Why we are doing this
The improvements are needed to maintain a healthy woodland environment.
Rhododendron ponticum and cherry laurel grow in the woodland, which runs alongside Nine Mile Ride.
These are non-native, evergreen shrub which cause dense shade where they grow. The species are highly invasive and need careful management to prevent them from dominating the woodland.
By removing them, we can regenerate the woodland with native species. This will create a better home for insects, bats, birds, and hedgehogs.
We are keeping:
- Scots pine, silver birch and sweet chestnut and other native tree canopy species
- species like hazel and hawthorn, which are native understorey trees (lower-level vegetation)
It is important to keep the open character of the woodland and promote natural regeneration of the canopy and understorey species. In this way the woodland will function as a natural and dynamic system.
We will be establishing a new network of wildlife ponds, and streams. This will be an extension of the existing wet woodland habitat. It will help support specialist flora and fauna, such as dragonflies and bats.
These new features, along with new ditches, will also help to improve site drainage and reduce the risk of seasonal flooding. It is important residents can enjoy good year-round access at Nine Mile Ride.
We will plant canopy and understorey trees, which thrive in acidic wet conditions. These will further aid in supporting the drainage on site.
We will also:
- plant more canopy species, such as beech, hornbeam and oak. These species are already present on site
- plant hazel along the residential boundary of the site, to create a future hazel coppice strip
This will give biodiversity a boost and address concerns raised by residents during the first phase of work.
The improvements will help boost the routine management of the woodland and trees. These are carried out by our rangers who look after the site.
It will also have many other long-term benefits such as creating a more attractive place for visitors. It will also support the development of wildlife corridors through Bracknell's urban environment.
Woodlands in decline
Woodlands are in decline across the UK, currently covering just 10% of our landscape. The average in mainland Europe is 40%.
In restoring woodland areas in our borough, we are working hard to improve local biodiversity.
Work to restore native woodland will help:
- counteract the decline of native woodland species
- provide an important habitat for birds, bats, insects and mammals such as hedgehogs
- support the development of wildlife corridors through Bracknell's urban environment
- improve local air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and pollution
- support our aim to become net zero by 2050
Funding the work
The work is being funded by Section 106 development money. This must be spent towards:
- new woodland creation or the enhancement of existing woodland within the council's area
- the provisions of enhancements at any open space of public value capable of serving the development site
The funding has been earmarked for this biodiversity improvement project as it meets these criteria.
The improvements will also help reduce the impact of local developments. They will also provide offsite biodiversity units for biodiversity net gain (BNG).
This will contribute to the recovery of nature while developing land. It is making sure the habitat for wildlife is in a better state than it was before development.
It is one of several projects we are running to provide a net gain to biodiversity.