About the reserve

In the heart of the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve lies Knowles Coppice; a mature sessile oak woodland, a small meadow and a short stretch of the Dowles Brook.

The main block of woodland is situated on a small plateau of acidic soils with a further long strip on steep streamside banks.  Along with the oaks, the wood also contains birch, holly, wild service trees and planted larch. With the disappearance of commercial coppicing, the wood has changed much in the last few decades but it remains a beautiful place and an area of remarkable ecological importance.

The small meadow has more basic soils that have been deposited by the brook; cowslips, devil’s-bit scabious, common valerian and wood club-rush grow here.  The damp sides of the brook are home to ferns and mosses whilst there’s a chance you may see dippers, grey wagtails and kingfishers on the brook itself.

Please note that there is no access to the meadow.  Cycling is not allowed anywhere on the nature reserve.