Friends of Clayfield Copse

In 1991, Clayfield Copse and Blackhouse Wood were designated as Reading’s first Local Nature Reserve. Part of the area is classified as ancient woodland, home to service trees, wild pear trees, bluebells, common orchids, and wood anemones. Visitors can explore numerous walks through the ancient woodlands and discover and enjoy a wildflower meadow.

In 1991, Clayfield Copse and Blackhouse Wood were designated as Reading’s first Local Nature Reserve. Part of the area is classified as ancient woodland, home to service trees, wild pear trees, bluebells, common orchids, and wood anemones. Visitors can explore numerous walks through the ancient woodlands and discover and enjoy a wildflower meadow.

Bats are present in Clayfield Copse & Backhouse Woods and bat boxes have been installed and are monitored by Berks & South Bucks Bat Group.

Events are organised at Clayfield Copse and Backhouse Woods, including the annual Dawn Chorus Walk and Meadows Day, tree walks and bat evenings allowing visitors to discover and enjoy the nature and wildlife.

Behind the scenes, the Friends of Clayfield Copse manage the woodlands and meadows allowing the public to continue to enjoy them. You could help by volunteering with the Friends of Clayfield Copse. Originally formed in 1989, the Friends of Clayfield Copse organise tasks on the first Sunday and the third Monday of the month throughout the year.

Typical tasks undertaken that you could help with are:

• Woodland management including coppicing, clearing fallen trees and caring for new trees in the regenerating woodlands.
• Bramble clearing and removing invasive plants to help protect native trees and wildflowers.
• Collecting seeds and plants to help reintroduce them across the site.
• Footpath maintenance to keep pathways clear, ensuring both the safety of the public and the protection of wildlife.

New volunteers are always welcome. There’s no need to commit to regular attendance – you can join tasks whenever you’re available, or even for part of a task. No experience is required, training will be provided and task leaders are always on hand to offer guidance as necessary, and tools and gloves will be supplied.

Volunteers under the age of 18 years can only participate in Econet activities if accompanied by an appropriate adult (parent, guardian, social worker, teacher, etc.) responsible for their wellbeing and behaviour.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Friends of Clayfield Copse, please complete our registration form or contact Peter Scudamore.

Upcoming Tasks