Buckler’s Forest

• Free parking (2.3m height restriction)
• Parking bays for the disabled
• Bins
• Benches and picnic tables
• Surfaced paths
• Formerly grounds of the Transport Research Laboratory
• A little piece of road transport history!
• Choice of routes, 1.3km, 2.4km & 3.6km

Where you’ll find it…

Find the free car park off Woodcote Green, Crowthorne, nearest postcode RG45 6LN. Grid reference SU 84373 64824. What3Words: treat.weds.noses. Open in winter from dawn to 4:30pm and in summer from dawn to 7:30pm.

What you’ll find there…

This is a huge open space in what used to be the grounds of the Transport Research Lab. With its wide, surfaced tracks, it’s perfect for running, cycling or walks with the dog.

Green box turned into a seat!

Information boards tell you about the wildlife of the local area and the transport research that once took place here. Echos of the past have been pleasingly integrated, the huge skid pad and areas once used to test ‘innovative’ ideas such as mini-roundabouts and cycle lanes! These may now be nicely landscaped, but it’s lovely that the past is being celebrated.

Since it opened in December 2018, Buckler’s Forest has become very popular with locals. Being a nice big place, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy it and the wildlife.

It’s proving great for wildlife, with recent sightings of crossbills and many notable finds by dragonfly and butterfly enthusiasts. The discovery of the scarce blue-tailed damselfly is a highlight, as well as great views of the magnificent golden-ringed dragonfly and a rare sighting of the lesser emperor dragonfly. Later in the summer it’s alive with rare grayling butterflies, thriving in flowery grassland areas, especially where there are plenty of sandy patches amongst the grasses. Other butterflies include the common blue and brown argus.

My favourite greenspace: Find out why Buckler’s Forest is Warden Nick’s favourite.

Gallery…

If you’d like to contribute to this gallery, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your pictures via Facebook, Twitter or email.

This ‘Greenspace on your doorstep’ is managed by…

Landscape management company Gavin Jones – contact Ranger Janet on 07900 784988