Woodland management work
We are working to improve biodiversity value of woodland at South Hill Park. We are carrying out the woodland management work in a phased approach, over several years.
Public access should largely remain unaffected during periods of work which tend to take place in the autumn and winter. There may be areas we need to temporarily close as a precaution.
Please:
- do not cross any barriers or tape
- stay away from machinery, tools or equipment
We will keep residents and visitors advised of when work is due to take place so they can plan their visits.
What we have done
In autumn 2023, contractors removed invasive cherry laurel, a non-native evergreen shrub, from a small area of woodland near the car park.
We followed this up planting native trees and shrubs, to boost woodland recovery. We used tree guards and installed fences around this area to protect the new trees.
In autumn 2024, we started work in the second zone at the back of the raised fountain. Contractors have removed invasive cherry laurel and common rhododendron from this area.
With the help of volunteers, we have planted 641 trees. These are young trees (bareroot whips) and include the following species:
- beech
- crab apple
- English oak
- hawthorn
- hazel
- hornbeam
- lime
- rowan
- silver birch
- wild cherry
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Precautions
When carrying out this type of woodland work, we take the following precautions:
- work takes place outside of bird nesting season
- some areas may need to be temporarily closed to keep you safe
- site notices will tell you about the work
- advance notice will be given to help you plan your visit
Why we are doing this
We are working to improve the biodiversity value of woodland at South Hill Park.
These improvements are needed to maintain a healthy woodland environment.
Cherry laurel and common rhododendron grow in the woodland at South Hill Park. They are non-native, evergreen shrubs that cause dense shade where they grow.
The species are highly invasive and they need careful management to prevent them from dominating the woodland.
Removing laurel and rhododendron from these areas will make space for native broad leaved woodland species. These have higher biodiversity value.
This will 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 the heritage parks team who look after the site.
These biodiversity improvements are also important for mitigating the impact of local developments. They will help to supply offsite biodiversity units for biodiversity net gain (BNG).
Rich tree heritage
It is important to preserve South Hill Park’s rich tree heritage, which extends back hundreds of years.
The site was once part of Windsor Forest, which was a royal hunting forest. The park was enclosed in the mid-17th century. Over the years it has been sculpted by the various owners, with trees planted, removed or being allowed to develop naturally.
Today, the trees and woodland are a significant feature of the site which need to be preserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.
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 the woodland areas at South Hill Park, we are working hard to improve the biodiversity of the area.
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 local 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.