From military airbase to wildlife haven: Celebrating 25 years since Greenham and Crookham Commons reopened to public

This year marks 25 years since the Greenham and Crookham Commons were reopened to the public after decades of military occupation.

And to mark the milestone, the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is inviting the community to attend a range of family-friendly activities celebrating the site’s rich history and biodiversity.

Situated on a plateau formed at the end of the last ice age, for centuries the Greenham and Crookham Commons were home to an abundance of wildlife and were used by people to graze livestock.

But in the 20th century, the land was repurposed as an RAF airfield before being handed over to the US Air Force.

It remained under military control until the base was formally closed in September 1992.

In 2000, 1.2m tonnes of concrete and gravel was removed from the former runway and the fences pulled down.

The site was then reopened to the public and cattle and ponies returned to graze freely.

Today, Greenham Common forms the largest area of lowland heath in West Berkshire.

It plays host to nightingales and skylarks, more than 30 species of butterfly, plus the rare spectacle of hundreds of autumn lady's tresses orchids in late summer.

The anniversary celebrations will take place from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday, April 8, at the Greenham and Crookham Commons.

Events include guided nature walks, wildlife spotting (from birdwatching to bug hunts), children’s activities and talks and exhibits.

BBOWT’s events manager Serena Millen-Quinn said: “The site provides a safe home to an abundance of wildlife, as well as being an invaluable outdoor space for our community.

“The past quarter-century has been a journey of restoration, growth and collaboration.”

You can find out more about what’s going on on the day on the BBOWT website.

BBOWT is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts across the UK aiming to secure a better future for wildlife.

It manages the Greenham and Crookham Commons on behalf of West Berkshire Council.