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Please accept this as the request for you to join our Be a Councillor event at Time Square – simultaneously hosted online.

This event will be a chance for eligible potential candidates to come down and hear from senior staff at Bracknell Forest Council, an LGA approved independent councillor, and four current councillors from Bracknell Forest Council about what being a councillor in the borough is like. This is being done so that those who are interested get a fair idea of what the role entails and prepare anyone who may not have local government experience for the process of being a councillor. It is open to those politically aligned and those who are independent.

The agenda is presented in the invite at the link below and there is an unadvertised potential for in-person attendees to network a little afterwards.

Be a Councillor in Bracknell Forest Tickets, Tuesday, November 10 • 6 PM - 9 PM | Eventbrite

Attendees can also sign up for the simultaneous online session:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-councillor-in-bracknell-forest-online-registration-tickets-2001182810657?

It should be noted that this is aimed at borough councillors, as parish and town are represented by a different association, but town and parish clerks are invited because:

1. There will still be some overlap
2. It opens up the potential for other more specific town and parish events to happen in other areas of the borough

At the moment, speakers are set, so if you haven’t been approached then there is nothing to prepare. Just come along and enjoy if you are free to.

Official start time for the date is 6pm, with arrivals being welcomed from 5:30pm.

Any questions, please contact the committee inbox - commitee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

The council is beginning a review of the current council-supported bus services to ensure we provide the best network possible when new contracts are issued in 2028.

We are keen to hear from all residents, whether they currently use bus services or not.

We have created an on-line platform at https://bfcbusnetwork.commonplace.is/ which hosts a short survey and maps which allow respondents to indicate the journeys they regularly make (by any mode) and to highlight any issues (bus stops etc) they would like to see improved.

Paper copies of the survey and maps will be made available in libraries for those who do not have access to the internet, and a QR code can also be scanned for people who want to use their smartphone to respond (see below):

The closing date for responses is 30 November.

Buckler’s Forest has been named the Land Trust's 2026 Site of the Year, recognising its value for wildlife conservation and community growing.

Located in Crowthorne, the 42-hectare green space combines rich wildlife habitats with community growing gardens, giving residents opportunities to learn, volunteer and connect with nature.

The site beat stiff competition from across the Land Trust's national portfolio of green spaces to receive the accolade at the recent Managing Partners Awards 2026.

Cllr Guy Gillbe, cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside, said: "We are delighted that Buckler's Forest has received this award, recognising its importance for nature conservation and its value to the local community. It reflects the dedication of everyone who helps make it a place where people and nature thrive.

"Our parks and countryside team, who manage the site on behalf of the Land Trust, play a key role in that success. Through their work managing wildlife habitats and supporting growing activities, they help residents connect with nature while protecting it for future generations.

"The award reflects our strong partnership with the Land Trust. Through our shared commitment to the long-term care of Buckler's Forest, we have created a site that benefits both the local community and the environment.

"As we reflect on World Ranger Day on 31 July, we would like to thank those who care for our parks and countryside and work hard to protect these spaces for people and nature."

The image shows Clare Klesel, community garden manager (left) and Joe Richens, parks and countryside ranger (right). They hold the certificate awarded after Buckler's Forest was named the Land Trust's 2026 Site of the Year.

About the Land Trust

The Land Trust is the UK's leading green space management charity, committed to creating and caring for sustainable, high-quality green spaces that improve the quality of people's lives and enhance the environment.

Working in partnership with local organisations and communities, the charity manages, residential greenspaces, parks, nature reserves, woodlands and public open spaces across the country for the benefit of people and nature, now and for future generations.

Contact: Parks and countryside rangers
Email: rangers@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Tel: 01344 354441

Temporary restrictions on the use of hosepipes are being introduced across South East Water's supply areas in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

This follows lower than average rainfall since March and continued hot weather and high demand, which has led to low river levels and the need to protect some groundwater sources.

To help ensure that the company can provide a consistent public water service for all its customers in these areas South East Water is moving to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers with immediate effect. These customers join those in the company’s Kent supply area, who are already subject to temporary hosepipe restrictions... Read the full article on the South East Water website