Local Nature Reserves and Wildlife areas

The environment and landscape of the Royal Borough are some of its most important features, and are highly valued by both residents and visitors.

The Royal Borough has many important sites for wildlife ranging from extensive areas that are recognised as rare and vital on an international scale, to smaller local sites that are appreciated and supported by local residents.

The following information provides brief details about some of the Royal Borough's Local Nature Reserves and wildlife areas. Further information can be found in our 'Nature in the Parks' leaflet. 

Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve

 

 

Where is it?
The reserve is off Stanwell Road, between the villages of Horton and Poyle. The entrance to the reserve is sign posted.

Opened in 1996, this reserve has rapidly developed into a haven for wildlife in the local area. It has been created from a series of derelict sewage sludge lagoons, that are being transformed into important wetland habitats by the management of the Royal Borough and partner organisations. It was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1999.

Braywick Park

Where is it?
There is a car park off Hibbert Road, which itself is off the A308 Braywick Road, in Maidenhead. There are a number of other access points for pedestrians, including from the town centre via the route of The Green Way.

Braywick Park in Maidenhead is a reserve rich in wildlife. Careful planning and management has developed a range of important habitats across the site, part of which is on a reclaimed landfill site, including grassland, woodland and a pond.

The result of this work is a growing diversity of wildlife that can be seen by visitors. The Cut, a flood relief ditch, runs along one side of the reserve providing more variety of wetland habitats and attracting species such as swans and coots.

Leaflets are available on the Braywick Nature Trail and Braywick Tree Trail.

The Gullet

Where is it?
The site is located 5 minutes walk from Maidenhead Railway Station, off Ludlow Road. There is no off-street parking for this small site.

The Gullet is a small but valuable piece of woodland next to the main railway line in Maidenhead. With its wide range of trees and flowering plants, and its mixture of woodland, scrub and rough grassland it is an important refuge for wildlife in the urban environment of Maidenhead

 

Hemwood Dell

Where is it?
By the side of Hemwood Road, off Wolf Lane in Windsor.  There is no off-street parking.

Once part of Windsor Forest, this small woodland is a valuable local site that is being management by the ROyal Borough in partnership with local volunteers.  The aim of the management is to improve the wildlife value of the site, which had previously been neglected, and allow it to reach its full potential as a haven for flora and fauna.

Ockwells Park 

Where is it?
Ockwells Road, Maidenhead.  Bus 53 stops on Shoppenhangers Road at the crossing with Cox Green Road, about 5 minutes walk from the Park.  A car park, refreshment kiosk and toilets can be found at the entrance to the park.

A large area of Ockwells Park is taken up by sports pitches but the rest is managed to encourage wildlife.  The park has a variety of habitats including woodland, open meadow, damp areas and a stream. 

A nature trail, accessible to wheelchair users, has been set out in the park.  A leaflet describing the trail is available from the park refreshment kiosk or from the Royal Borough.

Sutherland Grange

Where is it?
The open space is located to the west of Windsor town centre between the A308 and the River Thames. There is a car park in a large lay-by off the A308.

The field on the western side of the park is known as Sutherland Grange Hay Meadow and is a special place with a huge variety of flowers and grasses.  In spring and summer the meadow is alive with insects, including butterflies, beetles and moths. In turn, many of the insects are a source of food for a variety of birds which nest in the trees and hedges surrounding the site.  

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For more information about local nature reserves and wildlife areas please contact:

Trevor Smith, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1UU

Telephone 01628 777440

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