Nine Mile Ride woodland improvements

What we are doing

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

Take Pride volunteers have also been helping remove litter that was uncovered when the vegetation was removed. 

Take Pride is an initiative organised and steered through the council, in association with the Keep Britain Tidy campaign.

Precautions 

To minimise disruption, we:

• have sent letters to residents who may be affected by these works
• have provided advance site notices 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 the 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 will be retaining:

• 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.

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 the above 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, which we are running to provide a net gain to biodiversity. See our South Hill Park woodland improvements page for more information.

Find out more about biodiversity net gain.