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Royal Borough of Windsor and Woodland Habitat Action Plan 2001-2010

Introduction: This is one of six Habitat Action Plans prepared by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead which aim to protect and enhance biodiversity in the local area, and build on the foundation of biodiversity action established by Wildlife Action 211. The plan has been prepared with the support of the Crown Estate, Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, National Trust, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Parish Councils and local voluntary groups. The focus of this plan is woodland habitats in the borough, for example wood pasture, lowland beech woodland, and ancient trees. It sets out actions that are proposed to improve woodland habitats in the Borough, protect important local sites, and raise awareness of woodland biodiversity2.

please return any comments or suggestions on this draft by:

to: Environment Officer, Community Partnerships Unit, Directorate of Leisure, Cultural and Property Services, Town Hall, St. Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1RF Tel: 01628 796093 E-mail: [email protected]

1Wildlife Action 21, produced in 1999, was the first stage in Biodiversity Action Plan development in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. It set out the issue of biodiversity and the reasons why it should be protected. It also identified important habitats in the local area, and listed broad objectives and actions intended to take the process forward and deliver the overall objective of protecting and enhancing local biodiversity.

2 Note: for a complete understanding of biodiversity action in the local area Wildlife Action 21 and all of the habitat action plans that have been developed should be considered. Habitats are affected by the land uses and management around them, and the success of the Biodiversity Action Plan in the Royal Borough will depend on action throughout the local area across all of the important habitats.

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Contents:

1. Current Status 3 1.1 Description of habitat ………………………………………………... 3 1.2 Extent …………………………………………………………………. 4 1.3 Associated species of conservation concern ……………………... 5

2. Current factors affecting the habitat ………………………. 8

3. Current action …………………………………………………. 9 3.1 Legal Status ………………………………………………………….. 9 3.2 Management, Research and Guidance …………………………… 11

4. Objectives and Targets ………………………………………. 13 4.1 National ……………………………………………………………….. 13 4.2 Regional ………………………………………………………………. 15 4.3 Local …………………………………………………………………... 15

5. Proposed actions and partners …………………………….. 16 5.1 Policy and planning ………………………………………………….. 16 5.2 Site safeguard and management …………………………………... 17 5.3 Advice and guidance ………………………………………………… 19 5.4 Surveys, records, and monitoring ………………………………….. 19 5.5 Communication and public awareness ……………………………. 21

References and further reading …………………………………. 23

Appendices: A Sites of woodland habitat in the Royal Borough of Windsor and 25 Maidenhead B Records of nationally and locally important species. 41 C Actions proposed under the Draft Berkshire Woodland BAP 46

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1. Current Status:

1.1 Description of habitat This habitat action plan covers the following types of woodland habitat3:

Ancient woodland: sites which have been continuously wooded since 1600AD. A variety of rare flora and fauna is dependent on this habitat. These species are often intolerant of disturbance and have limited powers of dispersal confining them to these sites.

Ancient woodland can be further sub-divided into:  Ancient semi-natural woodland where the tree and shrub cover retained on the site has not obviously been planted. (generally the most valuable for biodiversity)  Ancient replanted woodland where tree cover has been maintained since 1600AD but the native trees replaced through felling and replanting.

Ancient woodland is irreplaceable and of critical importance to biodiversity conservation.

Ancient trees: also referred to as veteran trees, these can be broadly defined as "Trees that are of interest biologically, aesthetically, or culturally because of their age." (English Nature, 1999, 2000). Britain, in particular England and Wales, is of critical importance for this habitat as it contains the largest and best array of ancient trees in North-West Europe. They occur in the greatest concentrations within surviving mediaeval forests and parklands. Many others exist in small relict 8groups or isolation in a wide range of other situations including hedgerows, ancient boundary banks, churchyards and watercourses.

Ancient trees provide a range of scarce habitats which support many rare and endangered species including bats, insects, lichens, mosses, and fungi. The majority of these species are extremely specialised and can survive only in the special conditions provided by ancient trees. As a result, ancient trees are an irreplaceable part of England's landscape and biological heritage.

3 The descriptions given represent broad categories of woodland habitat. In addition, there are several types of woodland found in the local area which are national priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, specifically:

 Lowland wood-pasture and parkland- the products of historic land management systems and are frequently of national historic or landscape importance. The habitat represents a particularly valuable structure consisting of large, open-grown or high forest trees, in a matrix of grazed grassland, heathland and/or woodland floras. The habitat is important for a number of national priority species including violet click beetle Limoniscus violaceus, the stag beetle Lucanus cervus, the royal bolete fungi Boletus regius, oak polypore Buglossoporous pulvinus and the heart moth Dicycla oo

 Lowland beech and yew woodland- sites are found across a range of soil and topographical conditions, often as mosaics with other woodland communities. The habitat is important for national priority species such as devil's bolete fungus Boletus satanus, a hedgehog fungus Hericeum erinaceum and the knothole moss Zygodon forsteri.

 Wet woodland- Wet woodland occurs on poorly drained or seasonally wet soils, usually with alder, birch and willows as the predominant tree species. It is found on floodplains, along streams and hill-side flushes, and as successional habitat on fens, mires and bogs. Wet woodland is important for a wide range of wildlife, including important species of bryophytes and invertebrates.

 Lowland mixed broadleaved woodland- a national Action Plan is in preparation for this habitat.

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Secondary woodland: has established tree cover that developed after 1600AD. Many different types of woodland of variable nature conservation value exist, with their composition reflecting local variations in soil and climate and the effects of past human activity. They are valuable for a wide range of birds, insects and mammals which can be present. In general, secondary native woodland is a more valuable type of habitat for biodiversity than significantly non-native secondary woodlands.

Plantation woodland: are sites which have been deliberately planted by man. Timber production is their primary purpose and they can be species poor and of limited nature conservation value (especially where the trees are non-native and densely planted). However, they may support rare species of fungi and invertebrate, or specialised bird species such as the crossbill or hobby. Similarly, rides and glades in plantations can provide greater variation and diversity, including supporting remnant flora on former ancient woodland sites.

1.2 Extent of habitat In the UK: Britain is one of the least wooded countries within Europe. Woodland covers only 10% of England, in comparison with 29% of mainland Europe. The Countryside Survey 2000 estimated the extent of Broadleaved woodland in the UK as 1.5 million hectares, and the area of coniferous woodland as 1.4 million hectares (Accounting for nature: assessing habitats in the UK countryside, DETR, 2000).

In Berkshire: There is an estimated 17,000ha of woodland, 13.5% of the total county area, including approximately 4,000ha of ancient woodland. The majority of woodland in Berkshire is therefore secondary or plantation woodland. Ancient semi-natural woodland now covers only 3.2% of the County, having declined by 38% between 1930 and 1990.

The habitat is fragmented with very few large woods. The majority of ancient woodland sites are less than 5ha in area. The largest continuous stands of woodland exist within the Windsor Forest and Great Park areas.

In the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead: There is estimated to be more than 2,400ha of woodland in the Borough, representing approximately 12% of the total Borough area. This resource includes more than 50 designated sites (see table 1 below), including internationally important sites of ancient woodland, wood-pasture, parkland, and ancient trees.

Table 1: Designated sites in RBWM Sites of Special Areas of  Woods-  Windsor Forest and international Conservation (SAC) (candidate SAC Great Park- (candidate importance designation in SAC designation in September 2000) September 2000) Sites of Sites of Special Scientific  national Interest (SSSI) importance  Windsor Forest and Great Park Sites of Local Nature Reserves  Bisham Woods  (part) regional/local (LNRs) importance  The Gullet  (part) Wildlife Heritage Sites  There are more than 50 WHSs in the Borough which (WHSs) include woodland habitats.

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Ancient Woodland in the Royal Borough may also be included on the Berkshire Inventory of Ancient Woodlands (Provisional) (English nature, 1995). This inventory had several objectives:  inform local organisations, individuals and statutory bodies concerned with land management, on the location of the woods likely to be of the greatest value to nature conservation;  identify ancient woods as an aid to ensuring their appropriate management and the preservation and enhancement of their wildlife and landscape value;  provide a baseline against which future changes can be monitored.

In Berkshire, ancient woodland identified by the inventory is often subsequently further protected by other designations, for example Wildlife Heritage Site status. However, not all areas of Ancient Woodland in the Borough are listed in the Inventory, as sites of less than two hectares were not included and some ancient woodland sites may remain to be identified.

Further information and details on designated sites in the borough are available in Appendix A.

In addition to the extent of habitat present, there are other important factors in determining the biodiversity value of woodland across the borough. At the present time there is only limited information available on the conservation condition of woodland4 throughout the Borough and the area of habitat which is under positive management (see section 3.2).

1.3 Associated species of conservation concern The wide variety of woodland types is reflected in a diverse range of dependent wildlife. Loss and damage of woodland has therefore resulted in loss and decline of a significant number of species. For example, broadleaved woodland supports almost twice as many species of conservation concern as any other habitat. It has 78 globally threatened and rapidly declining species, and 46 species have been lost in the last 100 years, both higher than for any other habitat (Woodland Trust, 2000).

In the UK: The English Nature report "Biodiversity: Making the Links" (English Nature, 1999) lists 156 national BAP priority species associated with woodland habitat types in the UK. Thirty-seven of these species have been recorded in Berkshire, and the lowland wood pasture of Windsor Forest has been identified as a particularly important site for rare species (Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum, 2000).

In Berkshire: The Berkshire, and Wildlife Trust's publication "Berkshire Biodiversity Challenge" (1995) listed 100 key species found in Berkshire. Twenty- five of these species were identified as associated with woodland and scrub habitats in the county (see Table 2).

4 The Woodland Trust document "Woodland Biodiversity: Expanding our horizons" listed the following characteristics of woodland as important in assessing its biodiversity value:  Old growth;  size;  core area;  area adjacent to semi-natural  density of semi-natural  linkage of open ground habitats; habitats; habitats;

The consideration of these factors will be important in assessing the woodland resource in the local area.

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Table 2: Berkshire Biodiversity Challenge - Key Species for Woodland and Scrub habitats (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, 1995)

Birds  Bullfinch  Hawfinch  Redstart  Buzzard  Hobby  Song thrush  Great spotted  Nightingale  Spotted flycatcher woodpecker  Nightjar  Woodlark  Green woodpecker Mammals and  Bat species  Dormouse Herpetofauna Invertebrates  Black-headed cardinal  Pearl-bordered  White admiral beetle fritillary  Wood warbler  Duke of Burgundy  Stag beetle  Hoverfly Criorhina  Violet click beetle berberine Plants  Herb-Paris  Moschatel  Spiked star-of- bethlehem

In the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead: Wildlife Action 21 identified a number of nationally and locally important species (see Table 3). Appendix B gives details of records for these species in the Borough.

Table 3: Important Woodland Species listed in Wildlife Action 21 (Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, 1999)

Nationally Important Species Locally Important Species  Bullfinch  Buzzard Birds  Nightjar  Great spotted woodpecker  Woodlark  Green woodpecker  Song thrush  Hawfinch  Spotted flycatcher  Hobby  Nightingale  Redstart  Wood warbler  Dormouse  Other bat species Mammals and Herpetofauna  Pipistrelle bat  Heart moth  Ampeddus nigerrimus (a click beetle) Invertebrates  Light crimson underwing  Black-headed cardinal  Melanotus punctolineatus (a click  Brachygonus ruficeps (a click beetle) beetle)  Ciorhina berberina (a hoverfly)  Pearl-bordered fritillary  Dryopthurus corticalis (a weevil)  Stag Beetle  Duke of Burgundy  Violet click beetle  Elator ferrugineus ( a click beetle)  White spotted pinion  Eucnemis capucina (a false click  Sword grass beetle)  Gnormis variabilis (a chafer)  Lacon quercus (a click beetle)  White admiral

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 Devil's bolete Fungi, Lichens, - and Liverworts  Hedgehog fungus  Oak polypore  The royal bolete  Veilwort  Waxcap  Herb-paris Plants -  Moschatel  Spiked star-of-Bethlehem

Action on species: Key woodland species should benefit from positive action on woodland habitats taken as part of this habitat action plan5. However, conflicts between the requirements of key species can occur. Further, national priority species may be recorded during the course of the plan for which specific action should be identified. In these circumstances, it will be necessary to prepare Species Action Plans to protect and enhance key species.

5 further information on key species associated with woodland habitats is available in the English Nature report "Biodiversity: Making the links" (EN, 2000). National action plans have been prepared for priority species, and are available in:  Biodiversity: the UK Steering Group Report Volume 2: Action Plans (HMSO, 1995)  UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans Volumes I-VI (DETR, 1999)

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2. Current factors affecting the habitat  Development: for example, clearance for road construction and mineral extraction.  Neglect and inappropriate management.  Fragmentation and isolation. Neighbouring development and intensive land use can expose sites to a variety of detrimental environmental impacts such as pesticide drift and air pollution. Similarly, isolation can prevent the movement of species, and the recolonisation of suitable sites, leaving local populations vulnerable to extinction.  Invasion by non-native species, for example rhododendron, that damage ground flora and natural regeneration.  Reduction in perceived value through decline of available markets for wood products.  Air pollution, which can result in effects such as acid deposition, causing damage to individual trees and associated species (for example fungi, lichens).  Removal of veteran trees and dead wood through perceptions of safety and tidiness where sites have high amenity use, for forest hygiene, or the supply of firewood. Vandalism can also be an issue.  Uneven age structure leading to breaks in continuity of mature trees and dead wood that are important for rare species such as the violet click-beetle (Limoniscus violaceus).  Loss of ancient trees through disease, physiological stress, and competition.  Damage to trees and roots from soil compaction and erosion through trampling by livestock, and the effects of people and car parking.  Changes to ground water levels leading to water stress and tree death, resulting from abstraction, drainage, neighbouring development, roads, and prolonged drought.  Flytipping, which can damage ground flora and result in the pollution of sites.  Recreational use of woodland, which can lead to erosion, soil compaction, and disturbance where appropriate visitor management is absent.  Fire, whether accidental or deliberate, can destroy sites or lead to fundamental changes in the character and species assemblage of a site.  Availability of funding. The opportunities for woodland management, surveying and monitoring for conservation and sustainability are limited by the amount and accessibility of funding. Although there are many potential sources of support, it is unlikely sufficient resources will be available to achieve everything that needs to be done.  Climate change, which is the most serious threat to wildlife habitats in the longer term. According to the UK Climate Change: Draft UK Programme (DETR, 2000) "Temperature increases, drought and flooding will … cause the irreversible loss of many species of plants and animals.".6

6 A recent review of climate change estimated possible future trends for national priority woodland habitats, stating that "The impacts of climate change are difficult to guard against for this habitat group [Broad-leaved, mixed and yew woodland]. Many of the key species of the habitat have slow reproductive and dispersal rates, so they are unlikely to adapt without assistance ; others, like the dormouse, need continuous habitat in order to extend their range, since they rarely cross open ground. Lowland woodlands in southern England may be most susceptible to climate change because of drier summer conditions…. For the more heavily managed lowland park and pasture Priority Habitat the implications of climate change may be managed in situ, provided new woodland plantings take into account the future climatic projections in that area. Management practices may also need to be adjusted…" (Hossell et al, 2000)

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3. Current Action

3.1 Legal status:

3.1.1 Site designations affecting woodland in RBWM There are various layers of designations affecting woodland sites, ranging from those established by international obligations to indicate sites which are of importance to wildlife at a global level, through designations indicating national, regional and local importance. The following briefly describes the various designations that are relevant to woodlands in the Royal Borough.

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs): Special Areas of Conservation are the most important sites for wildlife in the country. It is a European designation originating in the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). This Directive lists habitats and species that are of European importance because of their vulnerability or rarity. Those that are particularly threatened are singled out as Priority Habitats or Species. Candidate SACs in the UK are the best examples of all the listed habitats and species occurring in this country. They represent the range, variation, quality and biodiversity of the rarest habitats and species in Europe present in the UK. They also include those especially important sites that feature a number of different habitats and species listed in the Directive.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs): SSSIs are notified by English Nature under section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The purpose of the designation is to safeguard "the diversity and geographic range of habitats, species, geological and geomorphological features, including the full range of natural and semi-natural ecosystems and of important geological and physiographical phenomena throughout England" (DETR, 2000) The SSSIs in England should, therefore, include all the most valuable nature conservation and earth heritage sites. They are designated on the basis of well- established and publicly available scientific criteria.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs): These are designated by Local Authorities under section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The habitats are of local significance and make contributions to local nature conservation and public awareness. They provide opportunities for the public to see, learn about, and enjoy wildlife.

Wildlife Heritage Sites (WHSs): These are non-statutory wildlife sites designated by local authorities in Berkshire for their local nature conservation importance. The sites are selected using standard criteria developed by the Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum7, and their importance is recognised by individual authorities in development plans.

7 The Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum includes representatives from Unitary Authorities, English Nature, the Local Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, FWAG, Berkshire conservation groups and local countryside projects. It is intended as an information and communication partnership on biodiversity and nature conservation in the region. It has produced framework and guidance plans on important habitats, as well as assisting in the development of the Wildlife Heritage Site system adopted by Local Authorities in Berkshire.

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Berkshire Inventory of Ancient Woodland: The inventory produced by English Nature (see 1.2 for further information) has become "a non-statutory designation enabling English Nature, Local Authorities and the Forestry Authority to comment appropriately on the effects of planning proposals and woodland grant scheme applications on ancient woodland sites."

Tree Preservation Orders: Under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, the Local Planning Authority have powers to make a Tree Preservation Order in respect to trees and woodlands. The effect of the Order is to prohibit works to the trees without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

3.1.2 Development Plan policies Berkshire Structure Plan 1991-2006 The following policies appear in the Berkshire Structure Plan 1991-2006:

Policy EN8 Wildlife habitats or geological sites having special interest, or of special value to the community, will be protected, enhanced and where appropriate made accessible to the public. Development will not be permitted which would be detrimental to designated and proposed Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, "Ramsar" sites and National Nature Reserves. In addition, development will not normally be permitted which would be detrimental to designated and proposed Local Nature Reserves, Wildlife Heritage Sites, Regionally Important Geological Sites, Reserves of the Local Naturalists Trust, or the habitats of any specially protected or endangered species. The County Council will support measures to maintain and increase the habitat value of the County.

Policy EN9 Where a proposed development could affect a site of nature conservation value, appropriate measures will be required to conserve, as far as possible, the site's biological or geological interest and to provide for replacement habitats or features where damage is unavoidable.

Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Local Plan The following policies appear in the Local Plan of The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, adopted in July 1999 and covering development and planning in the period up to 2006:

Policy N5: The Borough Council will make Tree Preservation Orders [8] to protect individual trees, groups or areas of trees where it considers that: 1. The tree (or trees) makes a significant contribution to public amenity; and 2. The tree or trees are in good health.

8 Under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, the Local Planning Authority have powers to make a Tree Preservation Order in respect to trees and woodlands. The effect of the Order is to prohibit works to the trees without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

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The Council will not allow the removal of protected trees, unless there are clearly justifiable grounds for removal, and appropriate provision is made for replacement planting.

Policy N6: The Borough Council will where appropriate, require applications for new development to: 1. Submit a detailed tree survey as part of a planning application wherever existing trees are a feature of the site. Plans for new development should, wherever practicable, allow for the retention of existing suitable trees; 2. Carry out any protection measures considered necessary to protect trees during site clearance and building operations; 3. Include an appropriate tree planting and landscaping scheme. Where the amenity value of trees outweighs the justification for development, planning permission may be refused.

Policy N8 Development which may destroy or adversely affect a designated or proposed Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, Ramsar Site or National Nature Reserve either directly or indirectly, will not be permitted.

Policy N9 In considering development proposals affecting local nature reserve and wildlife heritage sites, the Council will have particular regard to the need to protect natural features and the availability of mitigation measures. Measures will be required to safeguard and enhance wildlife heritage sites included within any development proposals.

Policy N10 Development will not be permitted if it would adversely affect conservation of flora or fauna protected by law.

Policy N11 The Borough Council will, in consultation with English Nature as appropriate, negotiate management agreements or actively promote the establishment of local nature reserves in order to protect important wildlife sites. The Council will establish informal nature reserves and pocket parks. Opportunity will be sought for the creation of restoration of wildlife habitats in association with new development and the after-use of mineral extraction sites. The Borough Council will promote public access to sites of nature conservation interest and will encourage the provision of educational information and interpretative material, providing this can be achieved without detriment to the nature conservation interest.

3.2 Management, research and guidance There is already a considerable amount of positive action taking place on woodland habitats in the Borough by a wide range of organisations including the Crown estate, Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, National Trust, other landowners, and English Nature. Some examples of work are given below:

 The Crown Estate Commissioners manage and Forest in accordance with the Crown Estate Act 1961. All of the areas of ancient semi-natural woodland are within SSSI designation, and the remaining Estates trees are under long- term management with a statement of intent on the retention of deadwood habitats.

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Forestry Commission Woodland Grant Schemes cover all of the forestry plantations and have in place management agreements related to conservation, amenity and timber production. In addition, positive biodiversity projects, for example the restoration of lowland wood pasture in areas of the park, are undertaken. Progress is being made towards SAC designation for the Great Park and areas of forest.

 Areas of Bisham Woods SSSI and candidate SAC are managed by the Woodland Trust, under a management plan that seeks to protect and enhance the important features of this habitat.

 The Borough Council manage several small woodlands across the Borough. All these sites are managed sensitively for the purposes of wildlife, amenity and recreation. It has involved the local community in practical management of sites, for example Hemwood Dell in Windsor, and commissioned wildlife improvements such as Rhododendron removal and the installation of bird and bat boxes.

 The Borough Council's Arboricultural Unit provides professional advice to landowners on their trees and woodlands.

 There is a successful Tree Warden scheme in the Borough. More than 60 local volunteers are involved in gathering information, giving advice and protecting local trees.

 FWAG provide advice on all habitats across farmland, including woodland, field trees, etc., in the context of the whole farm system and that can be integrated into a commercial farm operation. In appropriate situations, FWAG prepare grant applications for new planting, restorative and continuing management. The Borough Council have funded several site management statements by FWAG on sites in the local area.

The current action establishes a good foundation for action under the Local Biodiversity Action plan process, providing expertise, experience and opportunities which can be supported and developed in the future.

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4. Objectives and Targets This section gives details of relevant habitat action plans which have been developed at a national and regional level. The local action plan operates within this matrix of objectives and expectations, supporting them through local policies and actions as set out in Section 5.

4.1 National objectives and targets Three national habitat action plans have been developed by the UK Biodiversity Group which have relevance to the local area's woodland resource. The objectives and targets of these plans are given below.

4.1.1 Lowland wood-pasture and parkland (source: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans Volume II: Terrestrial and Freshwater Habitats) Objectives and proposed targets:  Protect and maintain the current extent and distribution of lowland wood-pasture and parkland in a favourable ecological condition.  Initiate in areas where examples of derelict wood-pasture and parkland occur a programme to restore 2,500ha to favourable ecological condition by 2010.  By 2002 initiate the expansion of 500ha of wood-pasture or parkland, in appropriate areas, to help reverse fragmentation and reduce the generation gap between veteran trees.

4.1.2 Lowland beech and yew woodland (source: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans Volume II: Terrestrial and Freshwater Habitats) Objectives and targets  Targets in the plan are based on the objectives of maintaining the current extent and distribution of lowland beech and yew woodland and encouraging a balance of appropriate management regimes (for example minimum intervention, coppice, managed high forest) within regions and across the distribution of the type. The restoration targets are based on the desirability of restoring some of the former areas of ancient sites (around 10%) for lowland beech and yew woodland that have been substantially planted with conifers in the last 50 years or that are currently dominated by other non-native species. Creation targets aim to encourage the expansion of this habitat by encouraging natural colonisation and by planting using species mixtures of site-native and local genetic provenance.  The targets will require review and adjustment during the course of the plan. As an early step in plan implementation more precise estimates of extent, and distribution of lowland beech and yew woodland will need to be determined. Criteria for determining the appropriate balance of different management regimes and suitable areas for woodland expansion and restoration will also need to be developed.  Maintain the existing areas of ancient semi-natural lowland and beech yew woodland (estimated to be 15,000 to 20,000 ha) and the total current extent and distribution of the type.  Initiate measures intended to achieve favourable condition in 100% of lowland beech and yew woodland within SSSIs and SACs, and in 80% of the total resource, by 2004 and

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achieve favourable condition over 70% of the designated sites and 50% of the total resource by 2010.  Initiate restoration to lowland beech and yew cover at least 1,500 ha. Complete restoration over half of this area by 2010 and all of it by 2015.  Initiate colonisation or planting of 3,000ha of lowland beech and yew woodland on unwooded or ex-plantation sites. Complete establishment of this by 2010 and all of it by 2015.

4.1.3 Wet woodland (source: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans Volume II: Terrestrial and Freshwater Habitats) Objectives and targets  Targets established are based on the objective of maintaining the current extent of semi- natural wet woodlands and encouraging a balance of appropriate management regimes (for example re-establishment of natural hydrological systems by blocking drains or removing unnecessary embankments) within regions and across the distribution of the type. This will encourage the range of characteristic associated species, communities and ecological/hydrological processes to persist. The restoration targets are based on the desirability of restoring some of the former areas of ancient semi-natural wet woodlands (around 10%) which have become dominated by non-native species since World War II. Creation targets aim to encourage the expansion of wet woodland by encouraging natural colonisation and by planting using species mixtures of site-native or local genetic provenance.  The targets will require review and adjustment during the course of the plan. As an early step in plan implementation more precise estimates of extent, and distribution of wet woodland will need to be determined. Criteria for determining the appropriate balance of different management regimes; suitable areas for woodland expansion and restoration (including creation of wet woodland within other woodland types) will also need to be developed.  Maintain current area (currently estimated at 24,000-30,000ha) of ancient semi-natural wet woodlands and total area of the type.  Initiate measures intended to achieve favourable condition in 100% of wet woodland within SSSIs and SACs, and in 80% of the total resource, by 2004 and achieve favourable condition over 70% of the designated sites and 50% of the total resource by 2010.  Initiate restoration of 3,200 ha to native wet woodland. Complete restoration to site-native species over half of this area by 2010 and all of it by 2015.  Initiate colonisation and/or planting of 6,750ha of wet woodland on unwooded or ex- plantation sites. Complete establishment of half of this by 2010 and all of it by 2015.

4.1.4 Lowland mixed broadleaved woodland  in preparation.

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4.2 Regional objectives and targets 4.2.1 Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum The Draft Berkshire Woodland Biodiversity Action Plan, published by the Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum, lists the following objectives for woodland action in the county:  To establish the nature conservation condition of the woodland resource in Berkshire together with associated action plan species- The extent of the semi- natural ancient woodland resource is well known, however the nature conservation condition of sites is not well known.  Ensure there is no further loss and degradation of semi-natural ancient woodland- Losses are far less, though still occur. More often inappropriate management is allowed which leads to the degradation of the wildlife potential of ancient semi-natural woodland.  Ensure all ancient semi-natural woodland is in agreed management schemes, with management plans in place by 2010- Plans should take into account the value to wildlife of minimum intervention as well as intensive management such as coppicing.  Ensure that future management of woodland takes into account the need to increase levels of dead wood, maintain veteran trees and other habitats such as ponds, rides and glades- this will maximise the wildlife potential of woodlands, while giving consideration to other habitats within the woodland.  Increase the area of native woodland by 10% by 2010- Any increase should be on appropriate land, be sited so as to link or extend habitats and include woods which would be of value to both people and wildlife.  All woodlands should be in sustainable management by 2015- Encourage the development of markets for a range of woodland products to help establish the sustainable management of woodlands.  Increase the knowledge and understanding of woodland management and ecology and promote the involvement of communities in the management of their local woodlands where appropriate- Public knowledge, appreciation and a sense of value is vital for the future of our woodlands and wildlife. Further details on the actions intended to deliver these objectives are given in Appendix C.

4.3 Local BAP Objectives and proposed targets Wildlife Action 21 listed the following broad objectives for woodland in the Borough:  To determine the extent and type of woodland in the borough.  To identify the scope for improvement of woodland habitats in the borough.  To protect woodland from development and other harmful land uses.  To extend the area of woodland in the borough.  To encourage natural regeneration of woodland to ensure local genetic diversity.  To support the Forestry Authority's policy of planting native species.  To promote good woodland management practice.  To promote the re-pollarding of existing old pollards and planting of new trees with a view to pollarding them to create veteran trees for the future where appropriate.  To help implement national species action plans.  To encourage the retention of a proportion of mature trees for perpetuity.

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5. Proposed actions and partners

This section sets out the programme of actions to be undertaken. For each action a lead is identified, specifically a part of the Borough Council, whose responsibility it will be to progress work and co-ordinate target delivery. In many cases partner organisations are also identified, who may be able to assist progress. There are many more potential partners than have been set out in the table below, for example Parish Councils and local conservation groups. There will be further opportunities to identify, engage and involve these groups, and indeed the whole local community, throughout the life of the plan. Making full use of these opportunities will be critical to the long-term success of local biodiversity action.

5.1 Policy and planning:

Actions: Lead9: Partners: Targets: How the action will be measured:

Integrate the principles of action and conservation on biodiversity set out in Wildlife Action 21 and Habitat Action Plans into planning and development control work by:  conducting seminar(s) on biodiversity for RBWM RBWM (PE) -  conduct seminar(s) by planning and development control officers 31/06/2002  consider biodiversity issues in relevant planning and RBWM (PE) -  Planning and Development Survey on an annual basis. development decision processes control officers to be aware of biodiversity and apply considerations where relevant RBWM (PE) Integrate biodiversity considerations into policies of next - Incorporate relevant policies and Policies and information in Local Plan review (2006-2016). information the review. RBWM (PE) Protect all designated sites from development that would No significant damage to the Loss of wildlife interest have a significant negative impact on their wildlife interest. wildlife interest of designated (hectares of habitat/number sites. and abundance of species) between surveys.

9 PE: Planning & Environment Directorate LCPS: Leisure, Cultural and Property Services Directorate

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RBWM (PE) Consult Forestry Commission on all planning applications - 100% of relevant applications Proportion of relevant within 500m of Ancient Woodland sites. applications referred.

Implement the RBWM Tree Strategy, which is currently in RBWM (LCPS) - Implement objectives of To be decided when the preparation. Strategy. Tree Strategy is produced. RBWM (LCPS) Prepare Species Action Plans for national priority species As required Preparation of Species where appropriate. Action plans

Recognise the important links between biodiversity work and sustainable development issues through:  continuing to include the BAP in Borough Council's RBWM RBWM (LCPS) Ongoing EMS Programme Environmental Management System (EMS Officer)  supporting promotion of sustainable development work RBWM (LCPS) as opportunities arise Report on promotion of in the Borough Biodiversity Action Plan as part of the annual monitoring of progress.  including biodiversity in sustainable development RBWM as opportunities arise Sustainable Development strategies and programmes of the Borough Council (Sustainable Strategies and Programmes Development produced. Co-ordinator/ LCPS)

5.2 Site safeguard and management:

Actions: Lead: Partners: Targets: How the action will be measured: RBWM (PE) All woodland WHSs should have survey data that is no Landowners By 31/12/2002, and then Number of WHSs with more than 10 years old. ongoing. survey data greater than 10 years old. (The ability to conduct surveys will be dependent upon receiving landowner's permission)

Retain ancient trees and associated dead wood on RBWM (LCPS) - Ongoing Action taken to retain ancient trees and

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Borough Council managed areas where practicable. associated dead wood

Number of Ancient Trees

Promote and provide support for landowners for the RBWM (LCPS) Forestry Ongoing Number of landowners sustainable management of woodlands, and the expansion Commission, contacted. of high quality woodland habitat in the local area. Farming & Wildlife Number of projects planned Advisory Group (for example through the provision of advice, and ideas for and implemented. funding)

Promote and support work to reduce the fragmentation and RBWM (PE/ Ongoing Number of projects isolation of woodland habitats in the borough, for example LCPS) implemented. through the development of buffer zones around important sites or connecting sites through habitat corridors. Location and area of habitat created.

Continue RBWM's involvement and support of the Wildlife RBWM (LCPS) Berkshire Nature Ongoing Developments of WHS Heritage Site system for identifying and protecting locally Conservation system, for example important sites. Forum adaptation of criteria.

Number of WHS surveyed, identified and designated.

Incorporate biodiversity considerations into Borough RBWM (LCPS) - Ongoing [tbc] Council site management and grounds maintenance work to achieve:  a varied age structure  retention of ancient trees and associated dead wood  planting and management for continuity of ancient trees  managing the effects of recreational use

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5.3 Advice and guidance:

Actions: Lead: Partners: Targets: How the action will be measured:

Develop information for landowners on sources of funding RBWM (LCPS) Forestry by 30/06/2002 Production of information and useful contacts to support sustainable management of Commission, pack. woodlands. Woodland Trust, Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group

5.4 Surveys and Monitoring:

Actions: Lead: Partners: Targets: How the action will be measured:

Assess the woodland habitat resource in the borough by:  developing recording forms and guidance for surveys RBWM (LCPS) English Nature, by 31/12/2001 Production of forms and Forestry guidance Commission, Crown Estate, Woodland Trust  assessing extent of woodland habitats in the Borough. RBWM (LCPS) - by 31/12/2002 Production of report  assessing type and conservation status of the RBWM (LCPS) - by 31/12/2004 Production of report woodland resource in the Borough.

Develop solutions to the problems of habitat fragmentation and isolation in the Borough by:  identify priority areas for habitat creation and RBWM (LCPS) - by 31/12/2004 Production of priority areas restoration to reduce fragmentation and isolation of map existing habitat, and develop further areas of high quality woodland habitat.  investigate grant opportunities to deliver habitat RBWM (LCPS) English Nature, Ongoing Grants applied for and creation and restoration Forestry gained Commission,

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Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group

Produce report on progress of Habitat Action Plan targets. RBWM (LCPS) All Bi-annually Production of report.

Produce report on changes in extent and type of habitat RBWM (LCPS) by 31/06/2003 Production of report. since 1900 for use as a reference in devising strategies for habitat restoration and creation projects, and resolving conflicts with other Habitat Action Plans.

Review overall plan progress and identify whether there are RBWM (LCPS) All by 31/12/2005 Production of report. improvements or further areas of work that can be included.

Support work to survey and monitor wildlife in the borough by:

 Supporting survey projects by local conservation RBWM (PE/ Local conservation Ongoing Number of projects groups on important wildlife topics. LCPS) groups supported BNCF  Investigate additional surveys that would provide RBWM (PE/ Ongoing Number of projects important information on wildlife in the Borough. LCPS) identified

 Work to secure funding to deliver additional wildlife RBWM (LCPS / Ongoing Number of projects survey projects identified. PE) implemented

Develop community involvement in surveying woodlands RBWM (LCPS) Ongoing Community projects and their wildlife through publicity, information and survey undertaken materials. Number of people involved Continue to support and develop the local Tree Warden RBWM (LCPS) Ongoing Annual Report of Tree scheme in the Borough. Warden work RBWM (PE) Develop site survey guidance that recognises the by 31/12/2002 Production of guidance importance of key woodland species and national BAP document. priority species.

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5.5 Communication and public awareness:

Actions: Lead: Partners: Targets: How the action will be measured:

Continue involvement in Berkshire Nature Conservation RBWM - Ongoing Minutes of BNCF meetings Forum and support its work.

Conduct events and/or produce displays to celebrate RBWM (LCPS) Crown Estate, Annually throughout the life of Number of events National Tree Week Forestry the plan Commission, Woodland Trust Conduct a series of events related to woodland, for schools RBWM (LCPS) Crown Estate, Ongoing Number of events. and the public, to raise awareness of woodlands and their Forestry importance. Commission, Woodland Trust Report on promotion of Support Borough Council action to combat litter and the RBWM (LCPS) All Ongoing Biodiversity Action Plan as illegal disposal of waste because of its potential to damage part of the annual biodiversity. This will be achieved through: monitoring of progress.  Promote the problems of litter and fly-tipping with respect to its impacts on wildlife.

Develop displays and materials for use and distribution on RBWM (LCPS) Develop display and materials Production of displays and Borough's Ecobus- connecting the ideas of biodiversity and by 31/12/2001. materials. sustainable development. Environmental Project Officer to Visits attended. attend 8-12 Ecobus visits a year to help present biodiversity information. Raise awareness of biodiversity and the opportunities for action among Borough Councillors and Parish Councils by:  Conducting survey of Borough and Parish Councillors RBWM (LCPS) Parish Councils by 30/09/2001. Survey results. regarding the issue of biodiversity.  Depending on results of survey, organise a half-day RBWM (LCPS) by 31/03/2002 Number of attendees. workshop or on biodiversity for interested Borough Feedback on workshop.

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Councillors and Parish Councillors and Clerks to explain biodiversity and their role in delivering action.

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6. References/Further Reading

Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum (1999) A framework for biodiversity action in Berkshire. BNCF

Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum (2000) Berkshire Woodland Biodiversity Action Plan (Draft). BNCF

English Nature (1995) Berkshire Inventory of Ancient Woodlands (Provisional). English Nature, Peterborough

English Nature (1999) Guide to the care of ancient trees. English Nature, Peterborough English Nature (2000) Veteran Trees: A Guide to risk and responsibility. English Nature, Peterborough

Haines-Young, R.H., Barr, C.J., Black, H.I.J., Briggs, D.J., Bunce, R.G.H., Clarke, R.T., Cooper, A., Dawson, F.H., Firbank, L.G., Fuller, R.M., Furse, M.T., Gillespie, G.K., Hill, R., Hornung, M., Howard, D.C., McCann, T., Morecroft, M.D., Petit, S., Sier, A.R.J., Smart, S.M., Smith, G>M., Stott, A.P., Stuart, R.C., and Watkins, J.W. (2000) Accounting for nature: assessing habitats in the UK countryside. DETR, Publication Sales Centre, Rotherham

Hossell, J.E., Briggs, B., and Hepburn, I.R. (2000) Climate Change and UK Nature Conservation: A review of the impact of climate change on UK species and habitat conservation policy. DETR, London

HMSO (1994) Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan. HMSO, London

HMSO (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume II: Action Plans. HMSO, London

Kirby, K. (1995) Rebuilding the English Countryside: habitat fragmentation and wildlife corridors as issues in practical conservation. English Nature Science No. 10. English Nature, Peterborough

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (1999) Wildlife Action 21: The first stage of the Biodiversity Action Plan for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Directorate of Leisure, Cultural and Property Services, RBWM, Maidenhead

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (1999) The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan (Adopted 26th July 1999). Directorate of Planning and Environment, RBWM, Maidenhead

Simonson, W. and Thomas, R. (1999) Biodiversity: Making the links. English Nature, Peterborough

UK Biodiversity Group (1999) Tranche 2 Action Plans, Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants. English Nature, Peterborough

UK Biodiversity Group (1999) Tranche 2 Action Plans, Volume II: Terrestrial and Freshwater Habitats. English Nature, Peterborough

UK Biodiversity Group (1999) Tranche 2 Action Plans, Volume III: Plants and Fungi. English Nature, Peterborough

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UK Biodiversity Group (1999) Tranche 2 Action Plans, Volume IV: Invertebrates. English Nature, Peterborough

Woodland Trust (2000) Woodland biodiversity: Expanding our horizons. Woodland Trust, Lincolnshire

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APPENDIX A Sites of woodland habitat in RBWM

Site details Grid National BAP Locally important Site description Reference priority species10 species11 Great spotted Area of horse grazed fields. Fenced footpath at south end. Small TQ005728 Ankerwycke Farm and woodpecker area of woodland. Nature trail in south-west part of site. The River Priory Blackcap Thames forms the southern boundary of the site and streams drain Area: 35ha Kestrel into the river from a pond. Since 1986 sheep have been introduced Meadow barley and grass is grazed or cut at least twice a year. Woodland stand Designations: Denotified Meadow crane's-bill types: A1111: Alder/oak - willow/mixed - mixed. A1311: Horse WHS Yellow loosestrife chestnut/yew - mixed - mixed. A1111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, high forest A1311 Woodland: mixed, semi-natural, high forest B222 Grassland: neutral, semi-improved, lowland G2 Open water: running water G112 Open water: standing, eutrophic, ponds etc <0.5ha

Poplar plantation with a rich ground flora and almost non-existant SU940697 Ash Covert shrub layer. Size: - A112 poplar-willow/hawthorn-various Designations: WHS Green woodpecker Western end is oak, ash and birch standards with hazel and a SU823760 Bears Copse Yellow loosestrife varied ground flora and appears semi natural. Eastern side has tall, Size: - straight, even aged oaks and very little shrub layer. A1111 Oak-Hazel/mixed- Bluebell/mixed Designations: WHS, AWI A112 Oak-Elder-Bramble Song thrush Great spotted A fine neglected coppice, with standards, not particularly rich in SU868835 Beeching Grove woodpecker ground flora species. Wood Green woodpecker A1111 oak/mixed - hazel - mixed - dogs mercury/mixed

10 the list includes records of priority species from all of the important habitats identified in Wildlife Action 21. Those in bold have been identified as species of woodland habitats. The information has been taken from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's Recorder database, between September 2000 and February 2001 11 see 10 above

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A1111 oak/ash - hazel - bluebell/bramble Size: - A1111 ash/elm - hazel/elder - dogs mercury/mixed Designations: WHS, AWI Juniper Great spotted An extensive area of predominantly broadleaved woodland on a SU855850 Bisham Woods woodpecker steep NW facing slope. Most of the woodland consists of beech Size: - Green woodpecker high forest and a good diversity of other woodland types. Hobby Remarkable for the diversity of its ground flora, the richest recorded Designations: SSSI, Blackcap in Berkshire. Suffered extensive tree fall from hurricane and gales. cSAC Sparrowhawk A1111 beech/mixed - rhododendron/mixed - dogs mercury/mixed. Small copper A1111 elm/mixed - various/mixed - ramsons/mixed. Great burnet A1111 ash/oak - mixed - brambles/mixed. Loddon lily Ornithologically important site Woodland Trust Reserve Part of the pond contained a patch of Phragmites. The narrow SU911694 Blackmoor Stream, stream was muddy with no visible vegetation. Part of the woodland Blythewood, N. Ascot was very wet and there was a lot of bamboo. Area: 1ha A1111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, high forest B222 Grassland: neutral, semi-improved, lowland Designations: WHS A222 Scrub: scattered, neutral G122 Open water: mesotrophic ponds, etc. <0.5ha F11 Swamp: single sp. dominant swamp G221 Open water: mesotrophic springs and small streams B4 Grassland: improved Yellow loosestrife Denotified WHS Blacknest Gate SU 958690 Size: - Designations: Mature beech to East of site, then a shrubby area with less beech, SU846839 Bradnam Wood then much young ash and sycamore. To the west of the site is a Size: - chalk escarpment which is very steep in places with grassy banks. A1111 beech/mixed - hazel/elder - ivy/bramble. Designations: WHS, AWI A1111 ash/mixed - - dogs mercury/mixed. Song thrush Hobby An abandoned gravel pit which has matured with assistance of local SU904784 Bray Pit Linnet Gadwall naturalists. Marginal and grassland vegetation has been planted. Area: 1.9ha Pennyroyal House sparrow Site is adjacent to Bray Cut which has enhanced the wildlife value Stonechat of the site. Also adjacent to the site are operational gravel workings Designations: WHS, Teal which provide habitat for little ringed plovers and sand martins.

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Wildlife Trust Reserve, Kingfisher G1 Open water: standing water Ornithologically important Little ringed plover A11 Woodland: broadleaved site Smew B52 Grassland: marshy, lowland Snipe Yellow wagtail Small copper Corn marigold Devil's-bit scabious Ragged-robin Horse grazed at time. Small mixed woodland at N end. Semi- SU923707 Brookside Farm Field improved grassland species. Good area. Area: 10ha B22 Grassland: neutral, semi-improved A1113 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, coppice with Designations: - standards Green woodpecker Cattle grazing has diminished the flora on the south side of stream. SU858745 Buck Farm Copse Neglect on North side resulting in very dense thicket of shrubs and Size: - more varied ground flora. The Cut is a large deep ditch with cliff banks. Designations: WHS A1113 Ash/mixed - Hazel. A1113 Oak.ash - Blackthorn/mixed - Bluebell/nettle. Kestrel Ground flora very sparse under hazel, and species poor under SU837769 Burringham Wood Ragged-robin sycamore. Plantation not managed so very little spread of Size: - branches. Ride 10-15m wide and contains the vast majority of herb species present. Designations: WHS A1311 Oak/mixed - Hazel/mixed - Mixed. A1113 Hazel - - Mixed. A nice ordinary example of lowland hazel/oak woodland with some SU830733 Bushy Lees scattered larch. Recently coppiced hazel. Much dead wood Size: - scattered as a result. Nice flora. A1113 oak/mixed - hazel - bluebell/bracken. Designations: WHS, AWI A1111 mixed - hazel/mixed - bluebell/mixed. Green woodpecker Mature woodland, much disturbed. parts have been cleared and SU826818 Calves Leys Common toad there is young ash and willow with four planted poplars. garden Size: - rubbish at northern end. A1111 ash/mixed - holly/mixed. Designations: A very varied wood for its size. Much dead elm with some taken out SU873832 Cannon Court Wood for firewood. Ground flora reflects disturbance. SW part very Size: - overgrown. A1113 oak/ash - hazel/hawthorn - bluebell/bramble.

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A1113 oak – hazel - bracken. Designations: WHS A1113 ash/elm - hazel/elder - bluebell/bramble. Yellow loosestrife Mixed woodland with small streams. SU938689 Cascade Bridge, A1111 oak/mixed - mixed - bramble/ivy. Mans Copse Size: - Designations: WHS Extensive mature acid beechwood. Species poor. Grassy ride, SU810805 Cayton Park woods damp in places with good species. Size: - A1111 beech/mixed - rhododendron/mixed - various/mixed. A1311 mixed - mixed - bluebell/various. A1113 sweet chestnut - - Designations: WHS bramble/mixed. A1113 oak/ash - hazel/mixed - various/mixed. Ragged-robin Mixed woodland. Species poor. SU818814 Channers Wood A132 various/mixed - mixed - bramble/mixed. A1111 hornbeam - Size: - mixed. A1113 mixed. Designations: WHS Green woodpecker Denotified WHS SU950773 Clewer Park Pond Meadow crane's-bill 1997: Site comprises an overgrown pond surrounded by trees. The Size: - pond itself looks very eutrophicised, probably due to the fall of leaves etc into it from the surrounding trees. No aquatic vegetation Designations: could be seen and only a few marginal species were present in small numbers. Several birds were present, including a coot with chicks. The small area of woodland adjacent to the pond is poor with a very impoverished ground flora. The site is bounded to the north by Mill Stream, a tributary of the Thames; to the south and east by Clewer Park, an area of open amenity grassland and to the west by a road leading into Windsor racecourse. Stag beetle Green woodpecker A site exhibiting a transition in a relatively small area from wet SU883867 Cock Marsh Corn bunting Kestrel alluvial grassland, through calcareous grassland on a steep north Area: Skylark Yellow wagtail facing slope to a more acidic grassland on clay at the top of the Chalk-hill blue butterfly slope. The whole area is grazed by cattle and horses and locally by Designations: SSSI, Common rock-rose rabbits, producing a short sward interspersed with patches of WHS, Ornithologically Meadow saxifrage hawthorn scrub and mature deciduous trees on the hillside. important site Main area of marsh is grazed. MG11 Festuca rubra-Agrostis stoloifera-Potentilla anserina grassland MG13 Agrostis stolonifera-Alopecurus geniculatus grassland

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MG07 Lolium perenne leys and related grasslands B312 Grassland: calcareous, unimproved, lowland G1 Open water: standing water A223 Scrub: scattered, basic/calcareous Red hemp-nettle Moschatel Drainage ditches inside wood now dry. A very pleasant and quite SU832756 Crockfords Copse Ragged-robin interesting wood. Small coppiced area in the extreme South. Size: - A1111 Oak/mixed - Mixed - Various. A1113 Mixed - Hazel/mixed - Bluebell/mixed. Designations: WHS A1113 Poplar/oak - Birch/hazel - Mixed. Best part of wood is west side of North half of carpenter's Wood, SU843825 Dungrove Hill, where there is Daphne laureola and Epipactis helleborine. Cleared Carpenters Wood area under powerline is chalk grassland. Dungrovehill Wood has Size: - large sections of conifer plantation. carpenter's Wood has many alien tree species. Designations: WHS A1111 beech/ash - holly/elder - bramble. A1111 sycamore/mixed - elder/mixed - ivy/mixed. A122 pine/larch. Meadow barley An area to east of A355, mostly ungrazed meadow. Damp in north SU957773 East Clewer Meadow crane's-bill end of site. Rivulet runs east-west to south is mostly Alder carr with Size: - some other woodland species. The banks on the east and north sides of site is a backwater, also including Alder carr. The southern Designations: WHS part is bounded by , and a small area of Phragmites marsh lies beside A355 in extreme south-west corner of site. Base rich although not in chalk. Footpath beside Thames in south. Woodland stand type: A1111 Alder/mixed - mixed - various. White Admiral A very dark dense wood of mature oak and ash standards. Mostly SU885743 Fernygrove Copse hazel coppice, some hawthorn and ash. Relatively recent coppice Size: - management. A good source of small timber. Ground flora of bluebell and yellow archangel. Has boundary bank and streams. Designations: WHS Damp patches on east and west boundary areas. A1113 oak/mixed - hazel/mixed - bluebell/mixed. Great spotted A predominantly damp, ancient, coppiced woodland on Reading SU872783 Great Thrift Wood woodpecker Beds and alluvium in the Thames Valley near Maidenhead. Much of Size: - Ragged-robin the site is on level ground and some areas are permanently waterlogged. A stream borders the north side of the wood. The site Designations: SSSI, AWI includes the remnants of Shrubbery Copse, a drier wood, most of which has been cleared for agriculture. No conifers are present and the lack of any tree planting in the past has allowed the native tree species to establish a near-natural distribution in relation to soils

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and climate. A1111 alder/ash - elder/mixed - bramble/mixed. A1111 oak/ash - hazel/dogwood - bramble/honeysuckle. A1111 birch/oak - hazel/dogwood - bramble/bracken. Bullfinch Great spotted A wood of limited interest - neglected. Its semi-natural state SU853764 Great Wood Spotted flycatcher woodpecker modified by substantial amounts of plantation. Ground flora Size: - Song thrush Green woodpecker unexciting being largely dominated by bramble. Wild service trees Linnet Hawfinch occur sparingly (including one huge specimen), aspen locally Designations: WHS Tree sparrow Hobby abundant forming thickets. Hornbeam occurs as coppice and rarely Turtle dove Blackcap standards, but always along margins of rides. Some oak standards House sparrow quite large. Kestrel A1111 Oak/mixed - Hazel/mixed - Various. Kingfisher A1113 Oak/ash - Hazel - Bramble/bluebell. Sparrowhawk A1113 Hazel/various - - Bluebell/mixed. Devil's-bit scabious A122 Mixed - - Bracken/mixed. Ragged-robin A1113 Sweet chestnut/field maple - Hazel/mixed - Mixed.

Yellow loosestrife Oak and ash planted closely (less than 10m). Regeneration is SU824766 Gunsbrook mainly sycamore under dense canopy. area of willow has drainage Size: - channels and may be a remnant of a ridge and furrow system. A112 Oak/ash - Mixed - Various. Designations: WHS A112 Willow - - Nettle/mixed. A1112 - Hazel - Bluebell. Densest part of wood is margin alongside the drive. Abundant SU839817 Hall Place, growth of sycamore which has been coppiced. Applehouse Farm A112 mixed – hazel/mixed - mixed. wood Size: - Designations: Interesting site as it is grazed by about 40 sheep and has been so SU838738 Hammonds Wood for the last 30 years. No sign of any saplings and bramble is almost Size: - absent. Ground flora is Holcus/Agrostis sward under birch and oak woodland. Very little ground flora under hazel coppice. Designations: WHS A1111 Oak/birch - Hazel/mixed - Bluebell. B112 Pine. Moschatel Area of damp woodland near West End with many broadleaved SU820752 Helleborine Wood helleborines. Damp area near NW edge. Size: - A1111 Oak/mixed - Hawthorn/mixed - Ivy.

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Designations: WHS Hemwood Dell is an urban site. It is essentially a shallow u-shaped SU937756 Hemwood Dell valley with steep wooded sides of secondary deciduous woodland. Size: - There is the remains of a large pond which has now dried out and is encroached by bramble (Rubus fruticosus). There is an Designations: WHS unimproved, but species poor mesotrophic grassland on this site which is periodically flooded. there is open public access to this area which is completely surrounded by new housing. It appears to be well used by the local populous. Green woodpecker Eastern end of site has an old chalk pit with steep sides. A central SU828827 High Wood Hurley Blackcap area in the west part has two beech plantations - one from about Size: - Kestrel 1975, the other from about 1984. There is also a mixed plantation in west part. East side of wood is hazel coppice. There is an area of Designations: WHS coppiced lime roughly in middle of site. A1111 beech/mixed - holly/mixed – bluebell/mixed. A112 beech - - bluebell/dogs mercury. A112 sycamore/mixed - hazel/mixed. A1113 mixed - hazel/mixed. Bullfinch Buzzard An area of predominantly beech woodland with a small chalk pit SU813820 Linnet Great spotted with exposed cliff and screes at the southern end of the site. Two Size: - Skylark woodpecker areas of chalk grassland are also found adjacent to and in the floor Green woodpecker of the pit. Two bridlepaths pass through the reserve. The woodland Designations: WHS Duke of Burgundy is predominantly beech with some oak, ash, field maple, wild fritillary cherry, crab apple, whitebeam and silver birch. the ground flora is, Helicella itala as is usual in beech woodland, quite poor. However, during spring Small copper bluebells, dog's mercury and violets are found. In the summer Common rock-rose months yellow archangel, wood avens, sanicle, wood melick (a Fragrant orchid grass) and white helleborines can be found. The open chalk Wild candytuft grassland, though small in area, has over 100 recorded species. Included in these are rock rose, wild thyme, clustered bellflower, carline thistle, dwarf thistle, glaucus sedge and quaking grass. Several orchid species are found on the reserve including pyramidal, common-spotted, fragrant and bee. The chalk pit is best known for its display of cowslips and wild candytuft, which grow on the scree. The pit is also good for butterflies, attracting 20 species such as common blue, meadow brown, gatekeeper, brimstone and large and small skippers.

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Wildlife Trust Reserve HLF Project Site Oak wood with birch and hazel - most been lost to arable SU834735 Kiln Copse development and M4 motorway. Fairly open. Has deep drainage Size: - ditches and banks on southern edge. A1113 oak/mixed - hazel/mixed - bracken/bramble. Designations: WHS A1111 oak/birch - mixed - bramble/mixed. Part grassland on a slope with woodland to NW. Dried up pond in SU823793 Knowl Hill Common SE corner. Many planted trees at top of slope. Area: 12ha B121 Grassland: acidic, semi-improved, upland A1111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, high forest Designations: - Lightly cattle-grazed rank chalk grassland, with 50% cover of SU903856 Lock Cut island hawthorn and some elder. Area: 3.75ha B3 Grassland: calcareous A22 Scrub: scattered Designations: - Yellow loosestrife All three woods are horse-grazed. Woods modified by presence of SU848754 Long Wood, Little and sweet chestnut and sycamore. South part of long wood in neglected Great Round Woods conifer plantation. Woods are species poor. Long wood has been Size: - sold and is used for war games. Designations: WHS Loddon lily Woodland and wetland adjacent to R. Thames. 1998: situated on SU861858 Longridge the south bank of the Thames next to a small boating centre, the Size: - site is a mixture of woodland and rough grassland. Approximately 800 Loddon Lilies are found on the site. Designations: WHS Green woodpecker Rather open oak woodland with over-mature sweet chestnut and SU883739 Lordlands Wood hazel coppice. Brambles and bracken dominate fairly poor flora. Size: - Some banks and open paths. A1111 oak/mixed - mixed - bluebell. Designations: WHS A1112 sweet chestnut - - bramble/bracken. Central area is open ground overgrown with tall herbs. Willow and SU907836 Maidenhead Court 1 poplar along western edge with a small ditch. Area: 3ha B5 Grassland: marsh/marshy grassland A112 Woodland: broadleaved, plantation Designations: - G1 Open water: standing water

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Song thrush Great spotted Wooded areas are mainly hawthorn scrub and secondary woodland SU855810 Maidenhead Thicket Spotted flycatcher woodpecker (oak - ash - sycamore). Size: - Pipistrelle Green woodpecker A1111 oak/ash - mixed. Hawfinch A212 hornbeam/ash. Designations: WHS White Admiral A132 larch/oak. Corn bunting Skylark Turtle Dove Brown hare Pipistrelle Blackcap Grasshopper warbler House sparrow Sparrowhawk Hedgehog Small copper Meadow crane's-bill Three areas of neglected woodland. Area north of B3024 had the SU847768 Marsh Wood remains of a pond, now filled by sweet grass, marsh foxtail, fool's Size: - watercress and containing a plant of S75. There was also a marshy area here with little vegetation. Area to SE was notable for large Designations: WHS numbers of young service trees in the S tip. The area cleared for the gas pipeline had started regrowth. The site included roadside verges. Yellow loosestrife Poplar plantation in centre of area surrounded by mixed woodland. SU818766 Milley Wood Deep wet drain runs approx. N-S on Eastern boundary. Very wet in Size: - places. Small area of very rough grassland NE corner by road. Designations: WHS Yellow loosestrife Mount Pleasant SU957684 Size: - Designations: WHS Great spotted Was once a very good copse with mature oak and ash and raised SU892760 Mount Scipett Copse woodpecker mixed understorey. Ground flora varied. This wood has been Size: - Sparrowhawk neglected and there are large open spaces- fallen trees - dumping of cement blocks, old wooden huts, farm machinery, and household Designations: WHS litter.

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A1113 ash/mixed - mixed - mixed. A1111 ash/oak - various - various. Ragged-robin Part of a larger area of conifer plantation of Great Hazes but more SU853751 New England Wood likely to be ancient as semi-natural regrowth suggests an old Size: - coppice structure. Part is dense spruce plantation and part a mixture of ash and conifers. Designations: WHS A1313 Ash - Hawthorn/hazel - Bluebell. A122 Spruce. A1112 Ash - - Bluebell/various.

An interesting shaped ancient wood. Banks still obvious on three SU874785 Ockwells Manor sides within the wood. Small in size, not particularly rich but Size: - adjacent to SSSI. A1111 oak/ash - mixed - various. Designations: WHS, AWI A1113 oak/mixed - hazel/field maple - mixed/various. Meadow saxifrage Old disused chalk pit. Steep slope on south side covered with trees SU828828 Old Chalk Pit Ragged-robin and some scrub and the lower floor covered in grass- some areas Area: 1ha damp, and quite species rich. A1111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, high forest Designations: B312 Grassland: calcareous, unimproved, lowland A mixture of mature oak (Quercus robur) dominated, ancient SU947746 Paddock Hill Wood secondary woodland with large gaps especially in the centre. These Size: - gaps are filled with large clumps of either bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) or japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), which are Designations: both being controlled. Where bracken control has been successful a fairly species poor but unimproved grassland dominated by yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) has resulted. The natural woodland has been supplemented by the planting of exotic trees such as conifer species and by various rhododendron species. Moschatel Dense woodland with overmature, mixed coppice. Varied ground SU870773 Paddock Wood Ragged-robin flora. Field maple coppice N and S of the motorway. Betula pendula Size: - in area S.E of motorway. Damp area and small clearing in part of wood north of motorway. Designations: WHS A1113 oak/ash - hazel/mixed - dogs mercury/bluebell. Green woodpecker Damp oak/ash woodland with mixed coppice and also recent SU853838 Park Wood, conifers planted and much sycamore spreading on east fringe. A Gouldings Wood number of new broadleaved plantations. Size: - A1111 beech/mixed - hazel/mixed - various/mixed.

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A1111 ash/mixed - hazel/mixed - various/mixed Designations: WHS, AWI A1113 oak/ash - various/mixed - bramble/mixed. Mixed deciduous woodland, mainly oak with quite a diverse flora. SU823725 Penn Bushes dense understorey of blackthorn. A stream runs through the middle Size: - of the wood. A1111 oak/ash - blackthorn/mixed - bramble/bluebell. Designations: WHS A fine oakwood with a variety of coppiced trees and shrubs, SU867841 Pigeonhouse Wood including a large area of sweet chestnut. Wood is now neglected Size: - and badly in need of management. Hornbeam present in S.E. part of wood. In the past the wood was managed with a variety of Designations: WHS coppiced species in separate areas - largely sweet chestnut, also field maple, cherry and hornbeam. Ground flora impoverished due to overshading, by mature coppice. A1111 oak/ash - hazel - bramble/honeysuckle. A1111 oak/ash - hazel/mixed - bramble/honeysuckle. A1111 sweet chestnut/oak - hazel - bramble/bluebell. A1111 oak/cherry - hazel/mixed - bramble. Skylark Kestrel Part of the 'green' is cut for hay. There are scattered individual trees SU860825 Pinkneys Green and clumps of trees and scrub (woodland remnants). There are Area: 47ha narrow strips of trees and shrubs but these have never been hedges. Designations: B222 Grassland: neutral, semi-improved, lowland A3 parkland/scattered trees A species rich area comprising a number of different habitats. Old SU863830 Pinkneys Green Brick brickpits with ponds in the hollows, short turf and woodland. the Pits wooded area is sycamore and willow. Area: 6ha J5 Other habitat B312 Grassland: calcareous, unimproved, lowland Designations: A1111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, high forest Ragged-robin A few nice mature trees, but wood has been badly affected by use SU838810 Pinnocks Wood as a horse riding circuit. Therefore ground flora limited to brambles Size: - and nettles. A1111 mixed - mixed - mixed. Designations: WHS Ragged-robin Part of the site to the South and West had a rich ground flora. A SU935695 Platts Firs, Penslade stream was present to the south and near the western edge with a Bottom etc. pond of about 1 ha. Size: -

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Designations: WHS Bullfinch Great spotted Predominantly wet wood. Considerably more interesting than SU849755 Pond Wood Spotted flycatcher woodpecker woods to S, but still only has an average species list. Good Size: - Song thrush Green woodpecker regeneration throughout. Swampy area in NE and SE. Neglected. Hawfinch A1113 Sycamore/alder - Hazel/birch - Mixed/various. Designations: WHS Hobby A1111 Oak/ash - Mixed - Mixed/various. Sparrowhawk A1111 Willow/mixed - Ash/mixed - Bramble/mixed. Ragged-robin Major part of wood was clear felled about 1950 and replanted with SU799828 Rosehill Wood beech and larch. Two small areas of original woodland remain - a Size: - 30m wide strip parallel to the main road, and a fringe on NE margin between edge of wood and track parallel to the boundary. Chalk Designations: WHS pits along NE edge. A132 beech/larch - - ivy/dogs mercury. A1111 beech/ash - elder - dogs mercury/various. A1111 oak/mixed - hawthorn/elder - dogs mercury/various. Woodlark Great spotted Woodland. Grassland. Scrub. Wetland. Diverse habitats. SU940691 Silwood Park Bullfinch woodpecker Size: - Song thrush Green woodpecker Spotted flycatcher Hobby Designations: WHS Veilwort White Admiral Linnet Blackcap Reed bunting House sparrow Kestrel Kingfisher Teal Sparrowhawk Water rail Ragged-robin Yellow loosestrife Denotified WHS SU835826 Speen Hill Grassland. 1997: the bulk of the site is now planted with crops of Size: - maize and wheat. the wheat had been cut by time of visit. No typically calcareous vegetation could be located. Field margins and Designations: planted area at bottom of field had little species diversity (though greater than the planted areas).Small area of woodland adjacent reservoir. Floor of woodland dominated by bluebells, which had gone over leaving large areas of bare ground. Much elder in the

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shrub layer. Grey Partridge Meadow barley An area of high ecological value. Neutral grassland. Two streams SU954752 Stag Meadow Meadow crane's-bill and a small pond surrounded by trees. A flock of parakeets is to be Area: 23.5ha found in this part of the park. B212 Grassland: neutral, unimproved, lowland Designations: WHS A3 Parkland/scattered trees G121 Open water: small mesotrophic ponds G221 Open water: mesotrophic springs and small streams J23 Boundaries, hedge with trees Small, fairly dense coppice - neglected. Dried-up pond. SU860742 Strattons Copse A1113 Oak/ash - Hawthorn/hazel - Bluebell/bramble. Size: - Designations: WHS A flat, uniform, rather species-poor wood with little or no shrub SU820738 Surrells Wood layer, except hazel. The dominant stand is birch - oak - hazel. Has Size: - small overgrown rather rank pond in NE corner. Birch coppiced on a regular basis. Several well marked rides. Bryophytes much in Designations: WHS, AWI evidence on wood floor and in banks within wood. A1111 oak/birch - - honeysuckle/mixed. A1113 oak/hazel - - bramble/bluebell. Grey partridge Great spotted A very interesting and species rich site. The 'rough' areas on golf SU836830 Temple Golf Course Skylark woodpecker course have a very rich chalk flora including orchids. There are also Area: 55ha Brown hare Green woodpecker areas of woodland. Trees of many species spread sparsely over Blackcap golf course and some, for example young spruce and larch, Designations: WHS Kestrel planted. Sparrowhawk A1111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, high forest Adder's-tongue B312 Grassland: calcareous, unimproved, lowland Common rock-rose J23 Boundaries, hedge with trees Fragrant orchid Green-winged orchid Grassland with scattered standards, oak, beech, ash, Norway SU935688 Tetworth spruce and large holly. Area: A3 Parkland/scattered trees B222 Grassland: neutral, semi-improved, lowland Designations: A linear site to the south of the main railway line. The southern SU881804 The Gullet boundary is formed by a footpath linking two roads, Ludlow Road Size: - and Brunel Road. Cover is predominantly woodland though areas of

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open rough grassland, scrub and bare ground are found on the site. Designations: The site is used by dog walkers, children and people passing between Ludlow and Brunel Roads. Litter and rubbish dumping appear to be significant problems with areas littered with beer cans, bundles of free newspapers, garden refuse and smaller amounts of domestic rubbish. Dog mess is also frequent. Parts of the site comprise steep 'cliffs' and slopes, the result of past chalk or clay extraction. Some of these steep areas are wooded whilst others have developed into play areas used by local children. The way in which these areas are used has prevented the development of any significant ground flora, including tree re-establishment. Yellow loosestrife Woodland stand types: A1111 Birch/mixed - hazel/mixed. SU932684 The Wells Secondary damp woodland. Flush. Good fen flora. Size: - Designations: WHS Green woodpecker An unmanaged wood, remarkable for good stands of Paris SU870768 Triangular Wood, quadrifolia. Damp area with Chrysosplenium oppositifolium. Paley Street A1113 ash/alder - hazel/mixed - bramble/dogs mercury. Size: - Designations: WHS Blackcap Wood is structurally poor. NE side has small area of spruce SU829729 Warren Copse Grass snake plantation amongst birch and hazel. Rides are used as gallops. A Size: - pond is present on eastern edge but is overshadowed by yews. No aquatic flora. Designations: WHS, AWI A1111 oak/birch - hazel/mixed - bramble/bracken. A132 spruce/birch - hazel. Woodland stand type: A11 Alder/mixed - hazel/mixed - mixed. SU955680 West Edge of Valley, alder wood with a lot of naturalised Skunk Cabbage Coworth Park (Lysichiton americanus), also much Carex pendula. A stream Size: - passes throughout the woodland. Designations: WHS Part of Windsor Forest and Great Park WGP- Belvedere and SU965678 Frostfarm Size: - Designations:

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Nightjar Buzzard SU947712 Windsor Forest and Spotted flycatcher Great spotted Great Park Pipistrelle woodpecker Size: - Violet click beetle Green woodpecker Royal bolete Hawfinch Designations: SSSI, Oak polypore Hobby cSAC Bittern Redstart Reed bunting Daubenton's bat Brown hare Ampedus nigerrimus Pipistrelle Brachygonus ruficeps Dryopthurus corticalis Gnormis variabilis Lacon quercus White Admiral (Ladoga camilla) Barn owl Sparrowhawk Common toad Kingfisher Meadow barley Song thrush Blackcap Winter Hill was formally open chalk grassland, but has not been SU872862 Winter Hill Linnet grazed for many years, other than rabbits, and is now heavily Area: 7ha invaded by scrub. At NE end is an area of secondary woodland. The surviving chalk grassland is fairly coarse and not particularly Designations: diverse. Clearance of scrub has been carried out on the upper slope to retain the views. A1111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural, high forest B312 Grassland: clacareous, unimproved, lowland A222 Scrub: scattered, neutral Bullfinch Great spotted Area consists of two mainly oak and hazel unmanaged woods with SU891745 Woodland Adjacent to woodpecker ponds and streams. Hogoak Lane Green woodpecker A1111 oak/mixed - hazel/mixed - various/mixed. Size: - Blackcap A1113 mixed - mixed - various. One of these woods is in Bray, the other in Warfield. Designations: WHS Ragged-robin Mixed woodland with pine plantation and scrub at he east end. SU916683 Woodland west of Much uncleared fallen timber. Cleared rides invaded by alder Ascot Station saplings forming dense alder scrub. In the pine plantation are some Size: - heathland species and a small area with a variety of mosses.

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A1111 oak/birch - mixed/rhododendron - bramble/bracken Designations: WHS A122 pine - rhododendron - nettle/bracken. A211 alder/lime. Moschatel Woodland modified for amenity with many introductions, e.g. SU860770 Woods by Waltham rhododendrons. Management: coppicing for pea sticks, amenity Place planting. Shallow pond contains very little of interest. Surrounding Size: - boundary bank. Small stream wet flushes. A1111 alder/mixed - mixed - various. Designations: WHS A1113 oak/mixed - hazel/mixed - mixed. Grass snake Flooded gravel pits. Ornithological interest. TQ005745 Wraysbury I Gravel Yellow meadow ant G1 Open water; standing water Pits Meadow crane's-bill C31 Tall herb and fern: other, tall ruderal Area: B2 Grassland: neutral A111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural Designations: WHS A22 Scrub: scattered

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APPENDIX B UK BAP Priority Species: records in RBWM

Species Common name Site Grid ref Date Caprimulgus Nightjar Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 europaeus

Lullula arborea Woodlark Sumerleaze Gravel Pit SU894829 1988-1994 Silwood Park BTO Site SU943688 1988-1994

Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch Widbrook Common SU895840 1974 SU942773 May 1998 Nr Ruscombe Lake SU814764 Sep 1984 Chawridge Bourne Woodland SU893742 1992 Chawridge Bourne Woodland SU893742 1991 Knowl Hill Brick Pits SU819795 1976 Windsor Alt SU815765 09/1984 Silwood Park BTO site SU943688 1976-1978 Silwood Park BTO site SU940691 1972 Great Wood/Pondwood SU853764 05/1980 Hogoak Lane SU892745 08/1998 Woodland adjacent to Hogoak lane SU891745 1992 Woodland adjacent to Hogoak lane SU891745 1991 Ashley Hill Forest SU825812 1976 Hurley Chalk Pit SU813820 1998 SU858829 1996

Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Widbrook Common SU895840 1974 Long Lane Bridleway SU873755 05/1991 Braywick Park SU894797 09/1991 Winter Hill SU872862 06/1992 Windsor Ait SU815765 09/1984 Upton Park wetland SU987786 06/1991 Home Covert SU915742 05/1994 Summerleaze Gravel Pit SU894829 1989-1992 Silwood Park BTO site SU943688 1976-1978 Silwood Park BTO site SU940691 1972 Great Wood/Pondwood SU853764 05/1980 Maidenhead Thicket SU855810 04/1983 Ham Fields/Island SU998758 1978 Beeching Grove Wood SU868835 07/1999 Ashley Hill Forest SU825812 1976 Bray Pit SU904784 1986-1987 Widbrook Common SU895840 1974

Muscicapa striata Spotted Maidenhead Court 1 SU907836 08/1984 Flycatcher Maidenhead Court 2 SU906834 10/1984 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU951700 1968-1973 Knowl Hill Brick Pits SU819795 1976 Summerleaze Gravel Pit SU894829 1989-1992 Silwood Park BTO site SU943688 1976-1978 Great Wood/Pondwood SU853764 05/1980 Maidenhead Thicket SU855810 04/1983 Ashley Hill Forest SU825812 1976 SU858829 1996

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Pipistrellus Pipistrelle Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 pipistrellus The Green Way SU892854 1996 Maidenhead Thicket SU855810 04/1983 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989

Dicycla oo Heart Moth SU901732 06/1996

Lucanus cervus Stag Beetle SU8781 07/1996 SU8781 06/1995 SU8779 06/1992 SU8779 08/1991 SU8781 07/1989 SU8779 06/1989 SU8779 07/1988 Cock Marsh SSSI SU8986 1994

Limoniscus Violet click beetle Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 violaceus

Agrostis ipsilon Dark Sword-grass Garden in Maidenhead SU8981 10/1996

Boletus regius Royal bolete Windsor Forest and Great Park SU930700

Buglossoporus Oak polypore Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 pulvinus Windsor Forest and Great Park SU930700

Pallavicinia lyellii Veilwort Silwood Park BTO site SU942685 1996

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Locally Important Species: records in RBWM

Species Common name Site Grid ref Date Buteo buteo Buzzard Windsor Forest and Great Park SU930700 1988-1994 Hurley Chalk Pit SU813820 1998

Dendrocops Major Great Spotted SU858829 1996 Woodpecker Temple Golf Course SU836830 1992 Widbrook Common SU895840 1974 The Rough, Ascot SU915703 06/1995 The Rough, Ascot SU915705 06/1994 The Rough, Ascot SU915705 06/1994 Smewins Farm Wood SU845757 06/1991 Braywick Park SU894797 09/1991 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU980728 05/1992 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU951700 1968-1973 Ankerwycke Farm and Priory TQ005728 08/1984 Chawridge Bourne Woodland SU893742 1992 Chawridge Bourne Woodland SU893742 1991 Knowl Hill Brick Pits SU819795 1976 Furze Ground, Great and … SU854745 05/1994 The Green Way SU892854 1996 Silwood Park BTO site SU943688 1976-1978 Silwood Park BTO site SU940691 1972 Great Wood/Pondwood SU849755 05/1980 Great Thrift Wood SSSI SU872783 06/1980 Woodland adjacent to Hogoak SU891745 1992 Lane Woodland adjacent to Hogoak SU891745 1991 Lane Mount Scipett Copse SU892760 1990 Bisham Woods SSSI SU855850 06/1981 Maidenhead Thicket SU855810 04/1983 Beeching Grove Wood SU868835 07/1999 Beeching Grove Wood SU868835 05/1985 Ashley Hill Forest SU825812 1976 Hurley Chalk Pit SU813820 1998

Picus viridis Green Woodpecker SU858829 1996 Temple Golf Course SU836830 1992 Widbrook Common SU895840 1974 The Rough, Ascot SU915703 06/1995 The Rough, Ascot SU915705 06/1994 Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU894703 05/1998 Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU894739 05/1998 Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU893573 05/1998 Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU894736 1998 Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU894736 10/1983 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU953715 08/1999 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU963738 05/1992 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU980728 05/1992 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU951700 1968-1973 Arthur Jacobs Reserve SU023759 07/1997 Cock Marsh (non-SSSI) SU883867 08/1998 Knowl Hill Brick Pits SU819795 1976

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Windsor Ait SU815765 09/1984 The Green Way SU892854 1996 The Green Way SU892813 05/1992 The Green Way SU891841 11/1991 Silwood Park BTO site SU943688 1976-1978 Silwood Park BTO site SU940691 1972 Bears Copse SU823760 07/1999 Buck Farm Copse SU858745 07/1999 Great Wood/Pondwood SU853764 08/1999 Great Wood/Pondwood SU853764 05/1980 Triangular Wood, Paley St. SU870768 06/1989 Lordlands Wood SU883739 07/1999 Woodland adjacent to Hogoak SU891745 1992 Lane Woodland adjacent to Hogoak SU891745 1991 Lane Bisham Woods SSSI SU855850 07/1991 High Wood, Hurley SU828827 07/1999 Park Wood, Gouldings Wood SU853838 05/1999 Maidenhead Thicket SU855810 08/1999 Maidenhead Thicket SU855810 05/1983 Clewer Park Pond SU950773 07/1997 Wraysbury & Hythe End TQ015735 08/1999 Beeching Grove Wood SU868835 07/1998 Calves Leys SU826818 07/1998 Ashley Hill Forest SU825812 1976 Hurley Chalk Pit SU813820 1998

Coccothraustes Hawfinch Windsor Forest and Great Park SU965688 1988-1994 coocothraustes Windsor Forest and Great Park SU930700 1998-1994 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU930700 1988-1994 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU935735 1988-1994 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU935735 1988-1994 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU951700 1968-1973 Furze Ground, Great and … SU848750 1988-1994 Summerleaze Gravel Pit SU894829 1988-1994 Great Wood/Pondwood SU853764 05/1980 Maidenhead Thicket SU855810 04/1983

Falco subbuteo Hobby Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU894736 07/1992 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU930700 1988-1994 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU935735 1988-1994 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 Knowl Hill Brick Pits SU819795 1976 Foliejon Park SU903745 1988-1994 Furze Ground, Great and … SU848750 1988-1994 Summerleaze Gravel Pit SU894829 1988-1994 Silwood Park BTO site SU943688 1999-1994 Great Wood/Pondwood SU855765 1988-1994 Bisham Woods SSSI SU855850 1988-1994 Ham Fields/Island SU998758 1988-1994 Bray Pit SU904784 1988-1994

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Luscinia Nightingale Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU894736 1994-1995 megarhynchos Chawridge Bourne SSSI SU894736 1988-1994 Brehm Chawridge Bourne Woodland SU893742 07/1990 Bowsey Hill/Warren Row SU800810 1988-1994 Foliejon Park SU903745 1988-1994 Great Wood/Pondwood SU853764 05/1990

Phoenicurus Redstart Windsor Forest and Great Park SU930720 1988-1994 phoenicurus Windsor Forest and Great Park SU951700 1973-1989 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU894829 1968-1973 Summerleaze Gravel Pit SU829728 1989-1992 Billingbear Park SU819795 1988-1994

Phylloscopus Wood warbler Knowl Hill Brick Pits SU960720 1976 sibilatrix

Myotis daubentoni Daubenton's bat Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989

Ampedus nigerrimus A click beetle Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989

Brachygonus Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 ruficeps

Dryopthurus Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989 corticalis

Hamaeris lucina Duke of Burgundy Hurley Chalk Pit SU813820 1978 fritillary

Gnormis variabilis A scarab beetle Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989

Lacon quercus A click beetle Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960722 07/1985 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU960720 1973-1989

Ladoga camilla White Admiral SU921673 06/1992 SU8474 06/1989 SU8678 1989 SU8480 1989 SU9082 1988 Windsor Forest and Great Park SU9470 1990 Silwood Park BTO site SU9468 1990 Fernygrove Copse SU8874 07/1989 Maidenhead Thicket SU8581 08/1987 Ashley Hill Forest SU8280 1988 Billingbear Park SU828728 1992

Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel Helleborine Wood SU820752 09/1984 Helleborine Wood SU820752 09/1984 Crockfords Copse SU832756 07/1985 Crockfords Copse SU832756 07/1985 Woods by Waltham Place SU860770 06/1986 Paddock Wood SU 06/1986 Padworth Gully SU823758 07/1980

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APPENDIX C Actions proposed under the Draft Berkshire Woodland Biodiversity Action Plan

Actions: Lead: Partners: Target date:

Safeguard and policies  Designate as SSSI appropriate woodlands which meet SSSI selection criteria EN Ongoing  Propose sites of international conservation importance EN Ongoing  Ensure appropriate policies in relation to woodland conservation are included in UA All others Ongoing local and strategic plans and these are implemented JSPU  Designate appropriate woodlands as WHS and LNR UA Ongoing EN

Habitat Management  Ensure all woodland SSSIs and internationally important sites are in favourable EN Landowners 2002 conservation status FC  Ensure all LNR woodlands and woodlands in local authority and public ownership UA/and others 2001 and ongoing have current, agreed management plans taking into account targets for associated key BAP species where appropriate  Ensure all semi-natural ancient woodlands entering WGS/WIGS have agreed FC EN 2010 management plans UA Landowners  Ensure all woodlands entering WGS/WIGS have agreed conservation FC EN 2015 management included within the plan of work UA Landowners  All woodland WHS to be positive management for nature conservation FC Landowners 2010 UA  Whole Farm Plans and Countryside Stewardship plans to highlight and encourage FWAG Landowners Ongoing the positive management of all woodlands and hedgerows MAFF Countryside Projects  Promote natural regeneration within woodland management. Where this is All Ongoing unsuccessful, planting using native species reflecting the character of the woodland and the woodland types characterising the natural area to be encouraged  Identify further project areas where new management groups may be established Countryside Landowners Identify 2001 Draft Woodland Habitat Action Plan 46 July 2001 **DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT*** DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT*** DRAFT***DRAFT*** DRAFT*

to help to control the impact of deer on woodlands Projects Establish 2002  Promote application of the Forestry Standard guidelines in WGS and certificated FC All Ongoing woodlands, for example restrict burning of wood wastes, limit extraction damage and ensure appropriate siting of pheasant pens  Develop markets for a range of woodland products to help further the sustainable UA Ongoing management of woodlands. Countryside Projects

Sustainable management  Ensure all management of ancient semi-natural woodland takes into account All Ongoing biodiversity action plan species.  Develop a strategy for minimum intervention for ancient semi-natural woodlands EN FC 2001 within Berkshire in line with national guidance. UA  Promote the restoration of coppice management where this is viable and FC All 2001 appropriate.  Promote the retention of as much dead wood as possible within woodland All Ongoing management.  Promote the re-instatement of grazing in wood pasture where this has All Landowners Ongoing discontinued.  Promote the maintenance, creation and management of woodland rides and All Landowners glades, and protect ponds within woodland.  Promote the sympathetic management and long term conservation of veteran trees All Landowners Ongoing within all woodlands, hedgerows and in open situations.

Resource  Establish the extent and nature conservation condition of the woodland resource in All 2005 Berkshire together with associated action plan species

Restoration and expansion  Produce an inventory of potential sites for woodland expansion. BNCF 2001  Target new woodland planting away from sites with existing, and potentially FC All Ongoing conflicting wildlife value such as heathlands, grasslands  Investigate the potential for developing a flood-plain forest, possibly associated KVCP 2001 with wet woodlands in the Kennet Valley. FC  Determine the nature and extent of the coppice resource and promote targeted FC All 2001 restoration where this is viable. Countryside Projects Draft Woodland Habitat Action Plan 47 July 2001 **DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT*** DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT***DRAFT*** DRAFT***DRAFT*** DRAFT*

 Restore wood pasture to former sites using agri-environment and other incentive FC MAFF 2005 schemes. FWAG EN

Advisory, Communications and Publicity  All landowners of surveyed ancient semi-natural woodland WHS to be aware of the UA Ongoing, to be nature conservation value of their woods and management recommendations completed within 6 months of any site survey  Disseminate information on biodiversity and woodland management issues through BNCF All Ongoing demonstrations, training, guided walks, site based interpretation and public involvement in practical management.  Promote the establishment of demonstration woods for woodland management BNCF All Ongoing  Promote the use of temporary interpretive signs for use during management BNCF All Ongoing operations  Investigate the feasibility of establishing a woodland craft centre demonstrating PVCP UA 2002 uses of local woodland products WBC

Monitoring  Ensure all survey records for ancient semi-natural woodland WHS are reviewed on UA Ongoing a ten-year cycle  Review woodland habitat action plan. All 2005

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