A Special Forest with a Cool Story
Buckler’s Forest is in Crowthorne, Berkshire. It’s a big, 103.7-acre place. It used to be a spot for testing cars. Now, it’s a quiet home for animals and plants. People love walking its trails. This article tells how Buckler’s Forest changed from a noisy test site to a peaceful nature spot. It’s easy to read and full of fun facts!
I’m Douglas Baltes, and I love nature. I studied Marine Biology at the University of Tasmania. I’ve spent five years learning about places like oceans and forests. I write stories about nature, like the Great Southern Reef in Australia. I also work with groups to save nature, like the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Here, I share simple facts about Buckler’s Forest, its animals, trails, and history.
The Past of Buckler’s Forest
From Car Tests to Green Space
Long ago, Buckler’s Forest was part of the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). From 1966, people tested cars there. They tried new ideas to make roads safe, like roundabouts and bike lanes. They had a skid pad to test car turns, a hill for brakes, and a fire tower. In 2018, the test site closed. It became a public forest for people and animals.
The forest is now a special place called a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). It helps protect a nearby area called Thames Basin Heath. That place has rare birds and plants, so it needs to stay safe. Buckler’s Forest gives people a new spot to walk, keeping the other area quiet. The Land Trust owns the forest, and Bracknell Forest Council takes care of it.
Old Things in a New Forest
The forest still has parts from its car-testing days. The skid pad is now a cool stepped area with views. The brake-test hill is a picnic spot. Old green boxes are homes for bugs or tiny museum displays. The fire tower stands tall, watching the forest. These things mix the past with today’s nature.
The forest has older history too. It was part of Windsor’s Royal Hunting Forest long ago. There are even signs of people from the Bronze Age, thousands of years back. This makes Buckler’s Forest extra special.
Animals in Buckler’s Forest
A Home for Rare Creatures
In 2024, Buckler’s Forest became a Local Wildlife Site. It has woods, open fields, and ponds. These places are homes for special animals. For example, woodlarks are shy birds that nest in short grass. They sing in spring. People must stay on paths from March to August to keep their nests safe.
The forest has rare dragonflies too, like the scarce blue-tailed damselfly and golden-ringed dragonfly. You can see butterflies and birds like crossbills. Oak trees help thousands of bugs and animals live here. Ponds have frogs and toads in spring. These creatures make the forest busy and alive.
Keeping Nature Happy
Bracknell Forest Council works to keep animals safe. They cut grass in late summer and take it away. This helps plants grow strong. Some grass stays tall for birds to eat seeds. They remove plants that don’t belong, like laurel, to help native plants. Old pine trees mix with new oak, beech, and hazel trees. This keeps the forest healthy for everyone.
Walking the Legacy Trails
Three Fun Trails
Buckler’s Forest has three trails: short (1.3 km), medium (2.4 km), and long (3.6 km). The paths are wide and smooth. They’re great for walking, running, or biking. The trails are mostly flat with a few small hills. Signs and maps show the way. The car park is on Old Wokingham Road. Its what3words address is data.stand.motion. It’s small, so come early to get a spot.
- Short Trail (1.3 km): A quick walk past the fire tower and Garages Pond.
- Medium Trail (2.4 km): Shows more forest, like the skid pad area.
- Long Trail (3.6 km): Goes all around, with woods and open fields.
The trails are free and open to all. Dogs can come but must stay close, especially near bird nests. Benches and tables are there for resting.
Why the Trails Are Cool
The trails mix old and new. You see old test site things, like the fire tower, while walking in green woods. Signs tell you about animals and history. Some green boxes have tiny displays about the test site days. The paths are easy for kids, older people, or wheelchairs. The forest feels big but safe, with clear signs.
Why Buckler’s Forest Is Different
Better Than Other Forests
Berkshire has many forests, but Buckler’s Forest is unique. Swinley Forest is bigger and great for biking, but Buckler’s is smaller and easier to walk. It has a special history from the TRL, unlike other places. The nearby Thames Basin Heath is protected and not open to many visitors. Buckler’s Forest welcomes everyone. Its mix of old test tracks and new animals makes it stand out.
Other forests have trails, but Buckler’s blends history and nature in a fun way. The skid pad turned into a viewing area is rare. The work to save animals, like woodlarks, makes it special too. It’s a place to walk, learn, and see nature.
Fun and Learning for All
Buckler’s Forest is great for kids, schools, or nature fans. Signs and mini-displays teach about the test site and animals. Kids love seeing frogs in ponds or spotting dragonflies. Adults enjoy quiet walks and history. The forest has events, like guided walks or nature talks, run by Bracknell Forest Council. It’s a place to have fun and learn.
How Buckler’s Forest Helps People
Good for Body and Mind
Walking in nature helps you feel good. Buckler’s Forest is a place to exercise and relax. The wide paths are great for walking or running. Quiet picnic spots and benches let you rest. In 2022, the forest was almost awarded a Landscape Institute Award for helping people stay healthy. This shows it cares about visitors.
Saving Nearby Nature
The forest’s SANG role is important. It keeps people away from the Thames Basin Heath, which has rare birds like nightjars. By giving people a new place to walk, Buckler’s Forest protects that fragile area. It balances human fun with nature’s needs.
Tips for Visiting Buckler’s Forest
Here are easy tips for a great visit:
- Stay on Paths: Keep bird nests safe, especially in spring and summer.
- Bring Water: No shops are nearby, so carry water.
- Check the Car Park: It’s small, so come early.
- Wear Good Shoes: Paths are smooth, but some spots get muddy.
- Read Signs: They share cool facts about animals and history.
The forest is open all year for free. After your walk, try the Golden Retriever pub on Nine Mile Ride for food.
The Future of Buckler’s Forest
Keeping the Forest Strong
Bracknell Forest Council and The Land Trust will keep the forest healthy. They’ll cut grass, remove bad plants, and protect animals. New trees will replace old ones. Events like nature walks will bring people back. The forest’s history and nature will stay its heart.
Why It’s Important
Buckler’s Forest shows how old places can become new homes for nature. Its trails let people enjoy the outdoors and learn about the past. It helps animals and people at the same time. As someone who studies nature, I think Buckler’s Forest is a great example of caring for both.
Conclusion: A Forest for All
Buckler’s Forest is more than a park. It’s where history and nature come together. From a car-test site to a home for animals, it’s changed a lot. The trails are easy, the animals are amazing, and the history is fun. Whether you’re a kid looking for frogs or an adult wanting a quiet walk, Buckler’s Forest is for you. Visit soon, stay on the paths, and enjoy this special place.
Disclaimer: This article about Buckler’s Forest Legacy Trails is for informational purposes only. All information is based on publicly available data and personal expertise, accurate as of July 28, 2025. Douglas Baltes, the author, is not affiliated with Bracknell Forest Council or The Land Trust. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, some details may change over time. Visitors should check local guidelines, trail conditions, and safety rules before visiting. This content is not promotional and does not endorse any specific products or services. For official updates, contact Bracknell Forest Council or The Land Trust.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
