Buckler's Forest Celebrates Official Opening

Last Friday, 30 September, saw the official opening of public greenspace at Buckler’s Forest SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) in Crowthorne where local residents are able to enjoy over 100 acres of open space and an array of wonderful heritage features.

National greenspace management charity, the Land Trust, was transferred the freehold of the site in spring of this year, and celebrated the opening of the public space along with

Local councillors, John Harrison and Bob Wade, developer, Cala Homes and managing partner Bracknell Forest Council.

Bucklers Forest has been developed as a SANG which contributes to the legal requirement to protect internationally important wildlife sites within the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Areas by providing visitors with alternative places to visit.

The long-term management of the site by the Land Trust will help create new and enhanced habitats as well as securing long-term benefits such as carbon storage, flood relief and pollinator habitats, while also supporting the health and wellbeing of local communities and visitors.

Local communities will be encouraged to get involved with the site in managing sustainability, biodiversity and supporting the ongoing establishment of the site as it develops over time.

Heritage interpretation elements are also on-site and are beautifully designed to encourage people of all ages to interact and learn about the natural habitats and the site’s history.

Part of a phased opening, there are more acres still to be added to Bucklers Forest SANG as the site is set to grow. The new additions will include a community garden and orchard area and are expected to be delivered in 2023.

Designed by Landscape Architects, Macgregor Smith and developed by Cala Homes, the site is now owned by the Land Trust and managed in partnership with the Bracknell Forest Council’s Countryside Team.

Alan Carter, CEO at the Land Trust said: “It was fantastic to mark the official opening of Buckler’s Forest. The woodland area and open space is a wonderful place for the new community, created by Cala Homes, to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors. We are proud to be a part of the story of bringing this site back to life.

“The space is owned and managed by the Land Trust for the benefit of the whole community providing educational and recreational value, as well as protecting and enhancing biodiversity. In turn, diverting public attention from local flora and fauna within special protection areas.”

John Richards, Land and Planning Director at Cala Homes (Thames), said:

“The delivery of high-quality greenspace that has a positive impact on recreation, education, and biodiversity value for the whole community is a priority for Cala. At our development in Crowthorne, Buckler’s Park, we handed over 42.5-hectares of SANG – Buckler’s Forest – to The Land Trust to provide the public with alternative outdoor space away from Special Protection Areas while enhancing local biodiversity, for many generations to come.

“We’re proud to have contributed to The Land Trust, providing a vast amount of public greenspace for Crowthorne residents to enjoy.”