From military air base to wildlife haven

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Greenham and Crookham Commons reopening to the public after military occupation. The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) hosted a special event in April at the Commons, celebrating their transformation into wildlife havens and treasured green spaces.

The Commons have a rich history, from being grazing land to housing an RAF airfield, later managed by the US Air Force. During the Cold War, Greenham Common gained global attention when women protested against nuclear weapons stored at the American air base. By 2000, the military runway was dismantled, fences removed, and grazing resumed.

Now, Greenham Common is West Berkshire's largest lowland heath, performing a dual role as a sanctuary for wildlife and a community asset. It's a uniquely beautiful place to visit, boasting rare wildlife like nightingales, skylarks and autumn lady's-tresses orchids.

Visit bbowt.org.uk for details.