Wildlife

Greenham and Crookham heaths have long been 'common land' - areas of land open to the general public on which people who have 'commoners rights' may graze their animals, take gravel, cut turf and collect firewood.

In 1941 the land was taken by the Air Ministry to become an important military base, home to British squadrons and then the American Air Force. From 1980 the site became a central focus for anti-nuclear demonstrations as cruise missiles began to be stored here. During this period there was no public access to most of the Common.

In 1997 through a partnership of the Greenham Common Community Trust and the then Newbury District Council (now West Berkshire Council) the open areas of the former Greenham Airbase was acquired for public use and enjoyment. This area, owned by the Council, is part of Greenham and Crookham Commons and is a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest containing rare and fragile ancient heathland, lowland and woodland with protected birds, plants and animals. After decades of military occupation the Commons were officially reopened for public use on the 8th of April 2000.

Now, the site is once more open to the public and is managed for wildlife and people by West Berkshire Council with the cooperation and support of the Greenham and Crookham Common Commission.

Ground Nesting Birds

Greenham and Crookham Common on the southern edge of Newbury forms the largest area of lowland heath in West Berkshire – a fragile and threatened habitat full of very special wildlife – and is particularly important for some of Britain's rarest ground nesting birds, including nightjar, woodlark and lapwing. It is a fantastic place to enjoy wide open spaces and a 'sense of freedom', and has become a very popular place for dog walking and many other outdoor pursuits. The common is owned by West Berkshire Council, which has joined forces with our local wildlife charity, the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), to champion and help protect its important natural history. As the nesting season starts, both organisations are working together to balance the needs of the many visitors with that of the vulnerable ground nesting birds.

For more about the incredible biodiversity of the common please visit http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20001

Greenham and Crookham Commons Commission The Commission works in partnership with the council to restore and conserve the flora and fauna and ecological, archeological geological and physiological features the commons. They are also responsible for:

• promoting and improving grazing on the Common
• promoting educational activities and encouraging public awareness of the ecological, cultural and historic significance of the Common
• Managing the Common for recreational purposes
• facilitates the exercise of commoners' rights on the Common

For more information please visit www.greenhamcc.org.uk

The Greenham and Crookham Commons Management Plan. The Council has worked with Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust and the Commission to put together a management to promote the biodiversity of the Commons and the Special Sites of Scientific Interest while encouraging the area to be used for public recreation and education. Positive links with neighbouring Sites of Special Scientific Interest will be pursued so as to retain and enhance the integrity of the nearby Thatcham Reed Bed, River Kennet, Baynes and Bowdown Woods.

To read more about the management plan please visit http://www.westberks.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=3226&p=0

Greenham and Crookham Common are home to some of the rarest wildlife in the country. Click here for a factsheet

For more information about the Common please contact West Berkshire Council’s Countryside Ranger Ade Wallington
awallington@westberks.gov.uk
Tel:(01635) 580792