History

The Windsor estate forestry department, which comprises Windsor and Swinley Forests, has evolved from one of the boundless medieval Royal hunting forests of England.

During the Middle Ages many Royal forests, including Windsor, were progressively felled of their oak trees for ship construction and building. In 1580 a concerned Queen Elizabeth I instructed oak plantations to be established at Windsor by acorns sowing, so creating the first recorded plantation of oak trees.

Further oak planting occurred between 1820 and 1870, some of which survive today, although they were extensively felled during World War I.

Systematic forest management commenced in the 1920s when replanting after World War I was started.

Today the forest is managed under a 'multi-purpose' policy, integrating conservation of wildlife, timber production, preservation of the traditional landscape and public access.

Please follow this link for other information on the Windsor estate.

Area

The Windsor Forestry department extends to 3,100 ha (7,600 acres) in Windsor and Swinley Forests.

The geology ranges from London clay to Bagshot sand and Plateau gravel as elevation increases westward.

Maximum elevation is 110 metres (360 feet) above sea level at Surrey Hill near Bagshot.

Most of the forest lies in Berkshire and only a small area is in Surrey.

Conservation status

There are 900 ha (2,200 acres) designated SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), mostly within Windsor Forest.

Veteran oak and beech trees number more than 3,000. Their ages range from 300 to 1,000 years and include many pollards, remnants of former grazing regimes. An extensive deadwood habitat has evolved from these mature and over mature trees, resulting in a unique and internationally recognised ecosystem.

There are more than 2,000 species of invertebrates and 1,000 species of fungi, many of which are rare or confined to Windsor.

Windsor is also important for birds, particularly tree hole nesting species and the sparrow hawk.

There are five species of bat present in the forest.

Heathland and wet mire reclamation are in progress on appropriate sites in Swinley Forest to increase these dwindling habitats.

The total land area dedicated to conservation management is 530 ha (1,300 acres) or 17%.

Public access

Please follow this link for more information on parks and open spaces.

A key holder and permit system is operated for walking in Windsor Forest, thus minimising damage to sensitive habitats.

Full details are available from:

The Crown Estate office
The Great Park
Windsor
Berkshire SL4 2HT

telephone: 01753 860 222.

Details of horse riding permits also available.

In Swinley Forest access for walking is available without permit. Entry is from the Look Out Discovery Park on Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, an educational and tourist facility owned by Bracknell Forest Borough Council. There are extensive car and coach parks, a cafe and gift shop, and the Look Out tower giving panoramic views over the forest.

Marked trails radiate from the Look Out leading to remote beauty spots vistas and lakes and archaeological sites including Caesar's Camp. Orienteering, husky dog rig training and competitions, horse riding and mountain biking and racing are by permit only. Maps and leaflets are available from the Look Out reception.

Forestry management

15 employees including three forest officers staff the Windsor estate forestry department.

A multi-purpose policy is followed in which sustainable timber production plays a key role. The department is commercially orientated and aims to produce the maximum sustainable yield of timber at the best market price. The current annual timber yield is 13,000 cu metres. The yield is predicted to rise to 15,000 cu metres in 2010, which will be sustainable.

Silvicultural excellence is nationally recognised at Windsor for the management of naturally regenerated pinewoods and mixed broadleaf and coniferous plantations.