Spaces for Nature
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead contains over 23 wildlife areas. Some of these are larger, designated Local Nature Reserves, some are smaller patches acting as havens for wildlife amongst busy urban life.
All are free for the public to visit and brilliant places to disconnect, recharge and be in nature.
• Find key information on the right hand column.
• Scroll down the Newsfeed tab below to check out ecological projects happening across the Borough.
• Check the Documents of Interest tab to see reports from Council and community relating to biodiversity in the Borough.
• Explore the Map below to explore where our reserves lie.
• Use the Guestbook tab to add your own experiences of RBWM natural spaces.
-
Statistics on current RBWM nature areas
Share Statistics on current RBWM nature areas on Facebook Share Statistics on current RBWM nature areas on Twitter Share Statistics on current RBWM nature areas on Linkedin Email Statistics on current RBWM nature areas link
Quick ReplyGo to discussion -
Plasticblitz 2022 Results
Share Plasticblitz 2022 Results on Facebook Share Plasticblitz 2022 Results on Twitter Share Plasticblitz 2022 Results on Linkedin Email Plasticblitz 2022 Results linkQuick ReplyWhat is a Waterblitz? An international scheme to monitor water quality all along the various waterbodies, celebrating National Rivers Week. Find information here.The Thames Waterblitz has been running since 2019 and had its strongest year yet this September. We test nutrient levels (nitrates and phosphates) in the waterways, which are indicators of pollution. Freshwater naturally has low levels of nutrients; higher levels indicate fertiliser runoff from agriculture, sewage or waste pollution. By detecting levels across the Thames, we can help make our River Thames cleaner and healthier for us and the ecosystem.
What is a Plasticblitz? This is awesome initiative is run by Thames21: the aim being to host big litterpicks along our Thames and its waterways. Plastic waste in our rivers threatens wildlife by entanglement and ingestion. Large pieces of plastic will then break down into smaller pieces which are difficult to remove from the environment. Find out more here. RBWM took part for the first time in 2022. As well as collecting all litter along the stretch, our results were submitted to Thames 21, who created metadata from across the River Thames, to indicate what main types of waste we find, and promote better plastics regulations. The fantastic Keep Cookham Tidy and Eton Wick Waterways also took part in the Blitzes within the Borough.
What is The Royal Borough doing? A Waterblitz and Plasticblitz took place on 17th September along the Maidenhead Cut. We measured pollutant levels and collected 6 bags of litter. Thanks to everyone who helped!
Click here to see the Leaderboard from all those taking part in the Thames21 Plasticblitz!
See the full 2022 results here!
-
The Bestiary of Battlemead
Share The Bestiary of Battlemead on Facebook Share The Bestiary of Battlemead on Twitter Share The Bestiary of Battlemead on Linkedin Email The Bestiary of Battlemead linkQuick ReplyLocal resident and long time wildlife enthusiast Martin Woolner has created a fabulous document exploring some of the incredible insects and tiny creatures found on Battlemead, Maidenhead. Follow the link to read more. Let us know what you think: what have you spotted at Battlemead?
The Natural Environment Team
-
Email jason.mills@rbwm.gov.uk -
-
-
Email thomas.hall@rbwm.gov.uk -
Email rosie.street@rbwm.gov.uk
Videos
-
A video showcasing the tree planting project taking place at Ockwells Park in Maidenhead
-
Livestock have been reintroduced to an area of Battlemead Common, north of Maidenhead, in an exciting new trial designed to help enhance biodiversity at the site. Almost 40 cows - Herefords and a Belted Galloway - are now located in the east field, with some of the herd due to be moved into the north field soon. Both fields are designated as grazing marsh priority habitat by Natural England. Conservation grazing is an effective and sustainable way to maintain and improve certain habitats and is used successfully across the country by various wildlife and conservation charities. It means areas don’t become overgrown, encouraging a diverse range of plants and animals, including invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and, in turn, small mammals to thrive.
-
