Holt Copse & Joel Park facts for kids

Holt Copse & Joel Park
Type	Local Nature Reserve
Location	Wokingham, Berkshire
OS grid	SU 804 693
Area	5.3 hectares (13 acres)
Managed by	Wokingham Town Council and Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers

Holt Copse & Joel Park is a special natural area in Wokingham, Berkshire. It's a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and plants. This amazing place covers about 5.3 hectares (that's like 13 acres!). The Wokingham Town Council and a group called Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers work together to look after it.

Exploring Holt Copse & Joel Park

This whole park and woodland area is quite large, about 9.3 hectares in total. The protected Local Nature Reserve part makes up 5.2 hectares of this. Holt Copse is a very old woodland. It's called "semi-natural" because it has been around for a long time, but people have also managed it over the years. The copse itself is about 2.7 hectares.

The ground beneath Holt Copse is interesting! It sits where two different types of rock meet. One is called the Bagshot Formation, and the other is London Clay. This change in geology can affect the types of plants that grow there.

History of the Reserve

Holt Copse woodland with a Bluebell carpet

In 2002, this beautiful site was officially made a Local Nature Reserve. This important step was taken by Wokingham Borough Council. It helps to make sure the area's nature is protected for everyone to enjoy.

Amazing Animals of the Park

Holt Copse & Joel Park is home to many different creatures. Keep an eye out for these animals when you visit!

Mammals You Might See

• Common noctule: This is a type of bat. Bats are fascinating flying mammals that are active at night.

Tiny Invertebrates

• Speckled wood: This is a pretty butterfly often found in woodlands. It has brown wings with creamy yellow spots.

Wonderful Plants and Trees

The park is also full of interesting plants and trees. They provide food and shelter for the animals.

Trees of the Copse

• Acer campestre: This is also known as the Field Maple. It's a common native tree in the UK.
• Corylus avellana: You might know this as the Hazel tree. It produces tasty hazelnuts.
• Ilex aquifolium: This is the scientific name for Holly, a well-known evergreen plant.
• Quercus robur: This is the mighty English Oak, a very important tree for wildlife.
• Sorbus aucuparia: This tree is commonly called Rowan or Mountain Ash. It has bright red berries.

Other Plants to Discover

• Cardamine pratensis: Also known as Lady's Smock, this plant has lovely pale purple flowers.
• Hyacinthoides non-scripta: This is the beautiful Bluebell, famous for creating stunning blue carpets in woodlands during spring.