A major housebuilder has handed over a large chunk of Bracknell forest land to a local trust to transform into a community green space.

Delivered as part of Buckler’s Park development, Cala Homes has made this decision as part of a range of community benefits.

The 42.5 acre Bucklers Forest, which has been designated as Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) will be managed by The Land Trust and offers a network of trails and cycle routes which are accessible to the public.

It also serves to protect and enhance local biodiversity.

The Land Trust is a charity which manages open spaces for public benefit, in perpetuity, backed by an endowment from Cala.

Cala will be delivering 2,000 new homes, as well as a community hub, neighbourhood centre, pub / restaurant, community allotments and an orchard in Crowthorne village.

A major piece of what was once inaccessible woodland has been converted into public open space.

SANGs are vital as a means of offering the public alternative outdoor space away from Special Protection Areas - land designated to protect rare, vulnerable, and migratory birds).

This will attract local visitors away from neighbouring heathland to mitigate impact from recreational pressure which can have an adverse effect on wildlife populations and plant numbers if alternative public open spaces are unavailable.

John Richards, Land and Planning Director at Cala Homes (Thames), said:

“It was great to work with the team at The Land Trust to handover Buckler’s Forest. The Land Trust has an excellent reputation for custodianship of green spaces which ensures that spaces like Buckler’s Park are managed for the benefit of the public, while enhancing local biodiversity, for many generations to come. We look forward to working with the organisation again in the future.

“Buckler’s Forest is a very special place, much loved by the local community. It was with great pride that we were able to integrate historic elements of the former Transport and Road Research Lab - including the banked curve which makes it well worth a visit.

"We know that The Land Trust will continue this legacy as guardian and caretaker of the space, by building upon its recreation, education and biodiversity value for the whole community.”

Euan Hall, Chief Executive at The Land Trust, said:

“Buckler’s Forest is a wonderful woodland and open space on the doorstep of the new community created by the Cala Homes. Green spaces are what bring people together, but it’s vitally important they are well-managed and maintained so they can continue to thrive.

“By actively encouraging people to enjoy the big outdoors at Buckler’s Forest, this will have the benefit of diverting attention away from local flora and fauna special protection areas.”

The delivery of high-quality greenspace is a priority for Cala, motivated by its impact on the physical and mental health of our customers and local communities. We know we can do more and by the end of 2022, our goal is to have formulated a strategy and action plan to enhance biodiversity across our sites.

"Cala Thames is leading the way, having recently launched its Urban Wildlife Strategy, which sets its intention to incorporate biodiversity improvement measures into every new home in the region."