The Estates Management Team continues to focus on enhancing habitat and biodiversity while reducing the council’s carbon and chemical footprint. Chemical spraying has been reduced to almost zero, with glyphosate now only used in exceptional cases, such as controlling invasive Hogweed.

Tree management is a key priority. The team monitors Brackley’s tree stock to maintain health and safety, carrying out selective thinning, crown reduction, or pollarding where required. Some trees will need to be felled due to disease; where it is safe, standing dead wood is retained to provide valuable habitat, and felled material is left to decay naturally.

In addition to tree and habitat management, the Estates Team actively develops wildflower areas, supports schools and community groups, and oversees permanent “Less Mow” zones, which encourage biodiversity by allowing grasses and pollinator-friendly plants to flourish.

Over the past several years, Brackley Town Council has carried out a wide range of projects to improve biodiversity and green spaces across the town. From planting trees and creating wildflower meadows to supporting schools, community groups, and local wildlife initiatives, these efforts have helped to create new habitats, enhance existing ones, and engage residents in caring for Brackley’s natural environment.

2025

Permanent “Less Mow” areas were established and managed by the council to boost biodiversity. Grass areas were overseeded with clover, and wildflower meadows were significantly expanded. Trees were planted at Carpenters Place and the Skate Park using larger specimens, with extra watering provided during an exceptionally dry season. Community visits highlighted the council’s work and explained how habitat and biodiversity improvements are being delivered across Brackley.

2024

Tree planting continued to fill gaps in existing areas. The “No Mow May” trial was expanded, and residents were offered free wildflower “bombs.” Schools received additional support for forest school areas, and more trees were potted and grown on for future planting.

2023

Tree planting progressed, including trees grown from seed by residents. Schools were supported with wood chip and compost to plant their home-grown trees. The council began producing larger quantities of its own compost from High Street leaves, reducing costs and carbon emissions.

A major hedge-laying and planting project, funded by CPRE, trained BTC staff and community members. Approximately 200m of hedge was laid at St James Lake, 150m planted by Guides and Scouts, and 30m laid near Humphries Drive. This project improved habitats and biodiversity while leaving a legacy of trained volunteers who continue to support local nature reserves.

Additional planting included fruit trees in the Roman Way and Swift Way areas, and a new beech circle was established off Paillons Way. “No Mow May” trials and changes to mowing and hedge-cutting regimes allowed taller grasses and thicker hedges, supporting wildlife.

2022

Tree planting continued across the town, with margins around hedges left to create wildlife corridors. Wildflower meadows were expanded, and small trees donated by the Woodland Trust were “grown on” in pots before planting to increase survival rates.

2021

A copse was created in Rose Open Space with the 5th Brackley Scout Unit using trees supplied by the Woodland Trust. Maintained by the cub packs and supported by council work parties, this project earned a “Tree of Trees” award from Buckingham Palace. Additional trees were planted in Mill Lane Open Space, St James Lake, and Egerton Field.

Local schools and nurseries were visited to encourage tree growing from seed and raise awareness of biodiversity and the council’s environmental work. Wildflower meadows were introduced, and a hedge was laid next to Pether Avenue.

2019 - 2020

A community orchard was established in Tudor Park, consisting of 30 mixed fruit trees, which continue to thrive. The council began working closely with the Brackley and Northants Wildlife Trust to improve habitats and biodiversity. Plans for spring 2020 were disrupted by the pandemic.