Whitegrove Copse
Whitegrove Copse is an area of ancient woodland to the north of Bracknell, in the parish of Warfield. The Copse is a valuable wildlife habitat and landscape feature, as well as an attractive place for woodland walks. The site is designated as a Wildlife Heritage Site and is owned and managed by Bracknell Forest Council.
The entrance to Whitegrove Copse is located off Sage Walk and Top Common. Roadside parking is available
- OS Ref: SU878702
- View a map of the location
From the entrance on Harvest Ride it is possible to follow a waymarked woodland trail through Whitegrove Copse. The trail will take you through several different parts of the copse, each with its own interesting features.
- Local Nature Reserve
- Wildlife Heritage Site
- Owned and managed by Bracknell Forest Council
This site has been wooded since at least 1600 and possibly longer. The name may relate to the spring blossoms of Hawthorn and Crab Apple. The wood formed an essential part of the Holly Spring Estate infrastructure, providing wood and cover for deer (per R. Seward). During the 1990s large areas of the land surrounding Whitegrove were developed for housing, and the copse was retained as a public open space and managed by the Parks and Countryside Service from 1996.
Whitegrove Copse is one of the sites that took part in the Woodland Project (2001-2004).
- Carpets of bluebells under the hazel coppice in May
- Speckled wood and holly blue butterflies in amongst the woodland glades.
- Blackcaps and chiffchaffs are migrant birds that can be heard singing in spring
- In late summer listen out for the chirps of dark bush crickets calling from the bracken.
- Coal tits and goldcrests are often seen and heard in the scot's pine, douglas fir and larch.
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