Wildlife | Sunningdale Park

Home to veteran trees

One of the most notable veteran trees is a very large, mature Sweet Chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) on the edge of the ornamental gardens that form part of Northcote Gardens. This tree is about 500 years old, dating back to c.1520 (Henry VIII era).

This tree is just one of almost 10,000 trees that populate the estate, which include several Sequoia trees (Giant Redwoods), brought to UK from America by William Lobb in 1853, and planted between 1860-90.

Woodlands

Native tree species present in this area include Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and Yew (Taxus baccata).

This woodland also supports a wide variety of plants and wildflowers including Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum).

Habitat management

The habitats present within the park are subject of a management plan to maintain and enhance their value for a variety of wildlife.

Opportunities for wildlife have been provided across the park including bat and bird boxes on buildings and trees, and log piles to provide homes for invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles.

Parkland creatures

Badgers

Several Badger setts are present across Sunningdale Park, and this nocturnal species uses the open grassland and woodland habitats for night-time foraging. Look out for signs of badger holes.

Bats

Bats are known to roost in the trees and buildings around Sunningdale Park, and can be seen foraging at dusk, especially along woodland edges. Species present include Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Noctule and Brown Long-eared bats

Birds

There's an assemblage of breeding and wintering birds typical of parkland and woodland habitats. Birds recorded include several species of nature conservation interest such as Barn Owl, Red Kite, Buzzard, Song Thrush, Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker and Kestrel.

Rabbits

Rabbits use regular trails between their burrows and feeding areas across Sunningdale Park, they can be seen all year & more often at night. Watch your step as there are lots of rabbit burrows around!

Deer

Both Roe Deer and Muntjac Deer are present and can frequently be seen across the parkland habitats. During June/July please try not to disturb the stags and bucks, as they can demonstrate aggressive behaviour.

Reptiles

Grass Snake and Slow-worm have been recorded within the parkland, and areas of woodland edge / rough grassland habitat. Both species are harmless and you will be very lucky to see them!

Wildlife in the Park