History on your doorstep: 2. Buckler’s Forest

Welcome to the ninth in my new series. This time I’m showcasing my top ten favourite historical stories and features, selected from our ‘Greenspace on your doorstep’ directory.

At number 2 is Buckler’s Forest in Berkshire…

The Land Trust took over responsibility for the 100 acre (40.5 ha) Buckler’s Forest in March 2022 and manages it in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council. 2023 will see the addition of a community garden and orchard.

Source: Bracknell News

This is all a far cry from its previous history as the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). Opening in 1933, an incredible amount of work took place here – everything from the development of the ‘bouncing bomb’ made famous in the 1954 movie Dam Busters, to the invention of the zebra crossing and the mini-roundabout.

To get an idea of the amazing transformation that has taken place at Buckler’s Forest since the days of the TRL, watch this 2-minute 1963 British Pathé newsreel: Traffic Jam Testing…

The Transport Research Laboratory’s Test Track is now a Woodland Walk (smallblogv8.blogspot.com)

Buckler’s Forest today

For directions, information and more photographs, go to the Buckler’s Forest entry in ‘Greenspace on your doorstep’.

Warden Mike

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