West Berkshire Living Landscape Project

On 28th March 2008 the Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) and West Berkshire Council signed the West Berkshire Living Landscape Project agreement. This is an exciting and ambitious partnership to protect and enhance significant natural heritage in West Berkshire.

The project area covers 2,600 ha (26 Sq km) - a landscape dominated by lowland heathland, ancient woodland, reedbeds, rivers and streams. Part of the core area is owned and managed by West Berkshire Council (Greenham & Crookham Commons, Thatcham Reedbeds) and BBOWT (Bowdown Woods).  

The agreement is for BBOWT and WBC to work together to enhance the area for wildlife and involve the community by: 

• Securing the future of this diverse landscape, providing more space for wildlife.
• Bringing additional funds and expertise for biodiversity enhancement.
• Developing an integrated land management plan.
• Increasing numbers of nationally and locally important species, including: skylark, woodlark, adder, dormouse and purple emperor; and encouraging others such as bittern.
• Encouraging people to positively influence the future of their landscape engendering a sense of health, well-being and a connection with nature and natural places.
• Providing advice for private landowners.
• Monitoring species and contributing to Biodiversity Action Plan targets.

For more information on the Living Landscape Project please click on the link to BBOWT (see links on the right hand side of the page).