Wicks Green and Silver Jubilee Field

Wicks Green Open Space (WG) and Silver Jubilee Field (SJ) are two connected green spaces bordered by the rear gardens of Stevenson Drive and Wondesford Dale, Wicks Green (the lane) and Binfield House.  Both have large areas of open grass with mature trees and hedgerows together with some more recent plantings.  SJ still holds some specimen trees from the old Binfield House Arboretum and WG also has a small thicket.  A gravel path goes around the entire perimeter of WG and another runs diagonally across SJ.  After periods of wet weather the grass areas can become impassible.  Each of the fields have a children’s play area and WG has a number of adult exercise equipment stations that are largely unused.   Between the two fields is a pond and a rill both of which have dried up.  Occasionally after heavy rain the pond will hold a small amount of water.  There is one wooden bench in SJ and three in WG.
These areas were ‘discovered’ during lockdown and are still very popular with dog walkers, general walkers and families with young children.  However, a mid-morning during term time will see the area virtually deserted.    
In 2025 we recorded 37 Bird species which is roughly on a par with previous years although finches have all but disappeared.  Most common garden/parkland birds can be observed all year round.  Spring brings a reasonable number of the more common warblers and both green and greater spotted woodpecker successfully raised young this year.  In winter mixed flocks of tits are often joined by one or two goldcrest and from January onwards a small flock of redwing can usually be found in SJ.  It is also worth keeping an eye on the skies with red kite being abundant, buzzard regular and sparrowhawk very occasional.  Late November/early December just before dusk saw a Jackdaw flock in excess of 100 regularly flying east to roost.
This year was our first attempt at recording butterflies.  Although we are far from adept in this area 7 species were recorded including a stunning comma.
Together these two areas provide a lovely spot to spend time in the fresh air.  Long may they remain untouched so they can be enjoyed by residents and wildlife alike.