Adder Tunnels Destroyed: Fundraiser Launched for Recovery

Adder tunnels built by conservationists were destroyed in recent fires on West Berkshire's Crookham Common.

The pioneering project to link two adder populations and boost breeding has been set back. "This project has been set back by several years by the fire," said Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) land manager Julian Cooper.

"As climate change makes events like this more likely, we need your help more than ever, across the three counties."

A fundraiser has been set up to help pay to fix the damage after a wildfire believed by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to have been started deliberately.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Crookham Common on the afternoon of Friday, August 14, and battled the blaze overnight. It destroyed approximately two hectares of sensitive scrubland and bracken on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

"The fire was fortunately contained, but we still lost a hectare of heath to the fire," said BBOWT spokesperson Kate Titford.

"Our enormous thanks go to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR), local farmers who assisted the crews on site, and Thatcham Waitrose who provided refreshments for the teams"

"Their professionalism, speed and dedication ensured the fire was contained and helped to avert a far worse situation."

BBOWT's Berkshire team monitored the area for hotspots and assessed the impact on wildlife. One clear loss is to the adder tunnels installed to link two groups separated by Old Thornford Road - it will take several years to restore habitat and encourage the snakes to use them.

"At Greenham and Crookham Commons in West Berkshire we are lucky to have one of the best populations of adders in the county," said Roger Stace, senior land manager.

"'Make the Adder Count', a report collating surveys from many sites, concluded that without immediate help, adders could be restricted to only a handful of sites in just 10 years' time, with all other sites highly vulnerable to local extinction."

Contractors installed two tunnels under Old Thornford Road in spring 2024, a UK-first approach modelled on successful projects in Canada and Spain to help snakes and other wildlife cross safely.

"Anyone who would like to support our work can make a donation via bbowt.org.uk/donate/bbowt-donation-form"

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter