Consultation for future of Crookham Common

West Berkshire Council has confirmed it is consulting on the future management of Crookham Common East, as part of wider project to restore some areas of the common back to heathland.
Over the last three winters, areas of silver birch trees and scrub have been cleared and some top soil removed with WBC now considering options, including fencing and grazing, to keep this part of the common clear of encroaching grass and scrub.
Hilary Cole, West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for the Environment said the views on eight possible options, and from local people, visitors to the common, local interest groups and others, were vital for the long term conservation of the common:
“I urge anyone with an interest in the conservation of this area to put their opinions and comments forward,” said Mrs Cole, adding:
"Many walkers and riders use the common and preservation of access for visitors to continue to enjoy it will be fundamental to any future proposal."
Three years ago, a plan to fell 75 per cent of the trees on Crookham Common East to restore the area to heathland raised concerns among Greenham parish councillors, including claims that it would destroy the ‘green lung’ of Newbury.
Greenham parish councillor, David Hale, said fellow councillors were aware of the current proposals, but was reluctant to comment until after the issue had been discussed at the parish council meeting on Wednesday (Feb 13).
The British Horse Society’s published online concerns including the impact of the proposals for horse riders and states: “Fencing the common, which is one option, may have an impact on the accessibility of the common for equestrians.”
Similar proposals by WBC to fence off part of Padworth Common for conservation grazing have been shelved, following the start last year of a public inquiry into the issue. The inquiry was dropped, after a Government inspector discovered at the inquiry amended documents submitted by WBC had not formed part of a public consultation.
WBC’s proposals for Crookham Common form part of a larger initiative - the West Berkshire Living Landscape project, in partnership with the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
The first of two Crookham Consultation Guided Walks takes place from 11am to 1pm on Saturday (Feb 9). The second walk is from 10am to 12pm on Sunday March 10.
The walks take in the heathland restoration, conservation work and future plans, with chance to ask questions/pass on views. Meet at the car park off Old Thornford Road, Crookham Common.