Bucklebury common extends to some 900 acres. It includes a range of habitats from ancient woodland to the largest remaining area of heathland in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
Heathland needs managing, maintaining a diverse mix of vegetation including bare ground and open areas, otherwise it will grow over loosing the distinctive wildlife that relies on it. We’ve lost approximately 80% of our lowland heathland in Britain in the last 200 years.
So, it is very exciting that the Bucklebury Estate are in the process of restoring the heathland to good health and creating areas of wood pasture. The work is part of the Partnerships for Nature Project led by ourselves, North Wessex Downs National Landscape, funded by Defra’s Species Survival Fund, administered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The walk is led by Alasdair Jones-Perrott who is overseeing the work and is a great opportunity to find out more about the work being done and what’s planned, including introducing cattle, as well as the Common’s history and the wildlife that will benefit as the heathland recovers.
Alasdair will be accompanied by Alex Cruickshank, a local ecologist who is working with The Bucklebury Estate. Between them they have a huge amount of knowledge and experience.
On the walk & talk we will visit two parts of the common to see the range of work taking place, driving between two car parks. There will be minimal walking, about 1km, but it will be over rough undergrowth. For more practical information, please see below.
Walk Information
- Booking: Free – Booking essential – 30 places
- Distance & approximate duration: 1km – 2 hours
- Difficulty: Fairly easy (some inclines, rough, tangled undergrowth).
- Accessibility: Aimed at adults & older children. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
- Dogs: No dogs.
- Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. There are no places to purchase refreshments on the route. Nearest pub The Bladebone Inn
- Toilets: There are no public toilets on the route (nearest at The Bladebone Inn).
- Meeting point: Car park to the south of ‘The Common’ road, Chapel Row, Bucklebury; nearest postcode: RG7 6QE. What3Words: banter.adverbs.picked. OS grid reference: SU 560 692. Google Maps.
- Public transport: Limited public transport, try West Berkshire Community Connect
- Parking: Free car park at meeting point.
For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.
Further information
To find out more about Bucklebury Common and the work taking place, see Habitat Restoration at Bucklebury
This event is in association with our partners and is part of our Partnerships for Nature project funded by DEFRA’s Species Survival Fund administered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund:
