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Clayfield Copse

Coordinates: 51°29′19″N 0°57′25″W / 51.4886°N 0.9570°W / 51.4886; -0.9570
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Clayfield Copse
Pig Sculpture from fallen tree in Clayfield Copse on April 2017
Clayfield Copse is located in Reading, Berkshire
Clayfield Copse
Location within Reading
TypeLocal nature reserve
LocationCaversham, Reading, UK
Coordinates51°29′19″N 0°57′25″W / 51.4886°N 0.9570°W / 51.4886; -0.9570
Area8.65 hectares (21.4 acres)
Created1991 (1991)

Clayfield Copse is a local nature reserve on the northern edge of the suburb of Caversham in Reading, UK. The site is 8.65 hectares (21.4 acres) in size and is a natural open space consisting of fields, wild flower meadow and native woodlands adjoining the Oxfordshire countryside. Some of the woodland is being actively managed as hazel coppice, and traditional dead hedging defines some of the ancient woodland areas.[1] The site is the only outcrop of London Clay north of the River Thames in Reading and makes up the southern tip of the Chiltern Hills. The nature reserve is under the management of the Reading Borough Council.[2][3][1][4]

The site also features a sculpture trail.[3]

History

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Clayfield Copse in April 2017

Clayfield Copse used to be part of the country house estate of Caversham Park. In 1991, the site was designated a local nature reserve, making it Reading's first such reserve.[1][4]

Fauna

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The site has the following fauna:[5][6]

Birds

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Flora

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The site has the following flora:[6]

Trees

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Plants

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Fungi

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Reading Borough Council". Reading.gov.uk. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  2. ^ "Magic Map Application". Magic.defra.gov.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Natural England - Special Sites". Lnr.naturalengland.org.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Friends of Clayfield Copse". Econetreading.org.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  5. ^ "Birdwatchers in a twitter as golden oriole flies in". Get Reading. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Clayfield Copse – 15 April 2012 « Reading & District Natural History Society". Rdnhs.org.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2017.