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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

My name is Chris White, and I’m a Police Detective working with the Police Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East, a Home Office, and policing initiative set up to help organisations protect themselves from cyber crime.

We’re seeing a growing number of online threats disrupting small organisations, especially email and social media account takeovers, ransomware attacks, and network breaches. These threats can have consequences for finances, data protection, and public trust. To support local organisations, we are offering practical tools, guidance, and resources to help identify and reduce vulnerabilities. This support is aimed at any organisation using email, websites, social media, or internet-connected devices, including parish councils, charities, and small businesses.

You can gain immediate access to funded security awareness training to help meet ICO guidance on data protection, regular threat updates and actionable guidance, and a direct link to police cyber security expertise. You can join the centre at www.secrc.police.uk, or simply reply to this email and I’ll be happy to help.

As a key community partner, I would also be grateful if you could share this government opportunity with organisations in your parish, particularly smaller charities and businesses that often lack the resources to access cyber security support on their own.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or to assure yourself of this police crime prevention project.

Regards,

Chris White
Police Detective Inspector
chris.white@secrc.police.uk
+44 (0) 7909 906177

Check the Verify Us page on the police website: www.secrc.police.uk/verifyus. Or call 101, selecting Sussex Police, my identification number is CW435.