Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and Heaths

Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and Heaths is a protected natural area in Berkshire and Surrey covering about 1,696 hectares of varied landscapes. The site includes broadleaved forests, coniferous plantations, heathland, and wetland valleys with nutrient-poor ponds.

The site received its formal designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2000, protecting ancient forests and an Iron Age fortification. This recognition followed decades of understanding its special ecological value.

Parts of the land are used by the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, yet public access areas remain open for wildlife watching and environmental study. This coexistence shows how military operations and nature conservation can share the same space.

The site can be accessed from multiple entry points near Crowthorne, Bagshot, Bracknell, and Sandhurst, with marked trails running through Swinley Forest. Paths are open year-round, so wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather conditions you may encounter.

The area holds rare peatland bogs in Broadmoor Bottom and Wishmoor Bottom valleys that support specialized bird species such as woodlarks, nightjars, and Dartford warblers. These wetland habitats are unusually scarce in southern England.

GPS coordinates: 51.37190,-0.74147

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20