The beauty and ecological richness of Berkshire’s countryside.

Sulham and Tidmarsh Woods and Meadows, nestled in the serene Berkshire countryside west of Reading, represent a pristine haven of natural beauty and biodiversity. Spanning 75.7 hectares (187 acres), this site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological significance.

Formerly known as Pang Valley SSSI, Sulham and Tidmarsh Woods and Meadows are predominantly situated between the meandering River Pang and Sulham Road. The landscape features a captivating blend of habitats, including Broom Copse, Herridge’s Copse, Hogmoor Copse, Park Wood, Moor Copse, and Barton’s Copse. These areas collectively support a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, making it a vital sanctuary within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The site’s ecological diversity is evident in its varied terrain, shaped by alluvial loams, gravel terraces, and peat deposits left by ancient floods from the River Kennet during glacial times. This diverse soil composition fosters a mosaic of environments, from lush copses to seasonally flooded meadows, sustained through centuries-old practices like coppicing and careful grassland management.

Managed in part by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, Moor Copse Nature Reserve occupies a significant portion of the southern area, ensuring the preservation of its natural heritage. The woodlands here are particularly renowned for hosting a plethora of invertebrate species, showcasing a thriving ecosystem that includes over 300 species of moths alone.

Sulham and Tidmarsh Woods and Meadows stand as a testament to the enduring beauty and ecological richness of Berkshire’s countryside, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil landscapes and explore its vibrant natural heritage.

To pinpoint the precise location of Sulham and Tidmarsh Woods and Meadows, please refer to this Google Map link. These areas are located west of Reading in Berkshire, England, nestled between the River Pang and Sulham Road. This positioning situates them within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, underscoring their environmental significance and picturesque allure.

A large, mainly natural open space consisting of fields and native woodlands adjoining the Oxfordshire countryside. Two fields are recreational areas. Some woodland is being actively managed as hazel coppice, and traditional dead hedging defines some of the ancient woodland areas. A wild flower meadow and other fields are being left to regenerate woodland. Beautiful bluebells spot in bluebell season.

Designated as a Reading Nature Reserve in 1991 (and was Reading’s first Local Nature Reserve). Clayfield Copse also features a Sculpture Trail (suitable for pushchairs/wheelchairs) and two of the fields are recreational areas with a skate park.

Popular site for family walker, dog walkers

Clayfield Copse is located at Caversham Park Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 6R

More than 10 nature reserves in Berkshire have been trashed as anti-social behaviour hit “unprecedented” levels following the easing of lockdown in Berkshire alone, a wildlife trust has said.

Fly-tipping, littering and barbecue fires have increased, Berkshire (BBOWT) said. At Hosehill Lake (1 mile south Theale), boating and swimming has disturbed nesting birds including terns, lapwing, oyster catchers. People fishing in front of a specially created sand martin wall has thought to have caused a failure of nests there this year.

Fences and buildings have also been damaged. On Wildmoor (Crowthorne), people have cut fencing to reach restricted and protected areas of the reserve and at Moor Copse wildflowers and nesting areas for skylark have been damaged. People have broken into an old building at Greenham causing substantial damage to its structure and roof.

A trust director said it was the worst he had seen in 30 years.

Warm weather in recent weeks is also believed to have been a factor.

BBOWT director Christopher Williams said: “I’ve been shocked, saddened and angered by the frankly disgraceful behaviour and actions by some people which we have witnessed at our nature reserves in the last few weeks.

“I’ve worked in the sector for nearly 30 years and I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Similar issues have hapenned in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, across 25 BBOWT nature reserves, volunteers have seen fly-tipping, littering, and trampled paths through reed beds, as well as fences cut and an old building damaged by a break-in.

BBOWT is asking anyone who witnesses any anti-social and criminal activity at any of our nature reserves, to contact the Police on 101. Details of how to report these incidents is explained on our website. We also ask people to spread the word that this is not acceptable through their own social media outlets. If the matter is serious, please contact BBOWT.

Berkshire

Wokefield
Fires and BBQs

Woolley Firs
Increase in dogs scaring sheep

Bowdown Woods
Flytipping

Shepperlands Farm
Flytipping

Hosehill
Boating and Swimming – disturbs nesting terns, lapwing, oyster catchers
Fishing in front of sand martin wall – none nesting in it this year
Creating paths through the reedbed to get to the lake disturbing warblers etc.
Litter, BBQs, football games etc. including on neighbours property too
Dogs out of control chasing wildfowl and young.

Wildmoor Heath
Bike jumps, fires, treehouses, fences cut

Greenham Common
Breaking into old building causing lots of damage to structure and roof, people drinking alcohol.
Fires and BBQs – a large fire on 30th May.
Drones, kites, model aircraft, picnics on lozenges, out of control dogs, fishing in ponds, fire beaters smashed, horseriding and cycling on lozenges,

Snelsmore Common
Car park full and people parking on the road, BBQs all over site, fire, people going to the toilet behind the currently locked toilet building

Moor Copse
People creating new paths through the meadows, damaging wildflowers and potential nesting areas for skylark.
Drive through demolition of gate into field.
Masses of flytipping
Fishing
Logs thrown into river blocking watercourse and sluice downstream.

Haymill Valley
Motorcyclists, flytipping, drinking, littering.

Thatcham Reedbeds and Nature Discovery Centre
Vandalism, flytipping, littering.

Rack Marsh
Padlock/chain cut by motorcyclists to gain access to river crossing.