Tinkers Copse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tinkers Copse |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Bracknell, Berkshire |
| OS grid | SU 856 704 |
| Area | 1.9 hectares (4.7 acres) |
| Managed by | Bracknell Forest Borough Council |
Tinkers Copse is a special natural area, like a small forest, located near Bracknell in Berkshire. It's about 1.9 hectares (or 4.7 acres) big. This area is protected as a Local Nature Reserve. The local council, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, looks after it. Tinkers Copse is one of three similar areas, often called 'The Three Copses', along with Jock's Copse and Temple Copse.
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What is Tinkers Copse Like?
Tinkers Copse is an old forest with many trees. It's known as 'coppiced woodland'. This means trees like oak and hazel were cut back regularly in the past. This helped them grow new shoots and provided wood.
A Home for Badgers
Did you know badgers live here? There's even a special path, called a 'badger run', that connects Tinkers Copse to nearby Temple Copse. This path helps badgers travel safely between the two areas.
History of Tinkers Copse
Tinkers Copse has been a protected place for over 20 years. In 2002, the Bracknell Forest Borough Council officially made it a Local Nature Reserve. This helps to keep the area safe for its plants and animals.
Animals You Might See
Tinkers Copse is home to many different animals. If you visit quietly, you might spot some of them!
Mammals Living Here
- European badger: These shy animals are active at night. They dig amazing underground homes called 'setts'.
- Roe deer: You might see these graceful deer moving through the trees. They are smaller than other types of deer.
- Wood mouse: These tiny mice are common in woodlands. They are very quick!
- Eastern gray squirrel: These busy squirrels are easy to spot. They love to collect nuts and seeds.
Reptiles and Amphibians
- Grass snake: This non-venomous snake is often found near water. It's a good swimmer and eats frogs and fish.
Birds in the Trees
Tinkers Copse is a great place for birdwatching. Listen for their calls!
- Great spotted woodpecker: You might hear them drumming on trees.
- Lesser spotted woodpecker: This is the smallest woodpecker in the UK.
- European green woodpecker: Look for its bright green feathers and listen for its laughing call.
- Jay: These colourful birds are part of the crow family. They love acorns.
- Eurasian bullfinch: Males have a bright pink-red chest.
- European robin: A very friendly and common garden bird.
- Eurasian blue tit: These small, colourful birds are often seen hanging upside down on branches.
Insects and Other Invertebrates
- Small tortoiseshell: This beautiful butterfly has orange and black wings. You can often see it flying on sunny days.
Plants and Trees of Tinkers Copse
The woodland is full of interesting plants and trees. They make the habitat special for all the animals.
Common Trees in the Copse
- Sorbus torminalis (Wild Service Tree): This tree has leaves that look a bit like maple leaves.
- Quercus robur (English Oak): A very common and important tree in British woodlands.
- Corylus avellana (Hazel): Often coppiced, hazel provides nuts and flexible wood.
- Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam): This tree has hard wood and keeps its dry leaves through winter.
Wildflowers and Plants
- Primula vulgaris (Common Primrose): These lovely yellow flowers appear in early spring.
- Lychnis flos-cuculi (Ragged-Robin): This plant has unique pink, ragged-looking flowers.
- Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Common Bluebell): In spring, the woodland floor can be covered in a beautiful blue carpet of these flowers.
