About the reserve

Strolling beneath the canopy of this outstanding ancient woodland reveals a surprising mix of species.  Alongside the oaks are ash, beech, small-leaved lime, wild service, hornbeam and a scatter of old yew trees.  Some have grown from coppice stools, some are the result of natural regeneration. Tucked away in the east of the wood are old, gnarled, lime pollards that once formed part of a boundary hedge.  The varied understorey includes field maple, hawthorn and hazel.

The dense ground flora is rich in ancient woodland plants like bluebell, dog’s mercury and woodruff with a magnificent selection of fungi including several species of earthstar. A nationally rare beetle, Lycoperdina hovistac, was recorded in 1997 and more than 50 moth species can be found here including Blomer’s rivulet, a nationally rare species. The gentle management of this small woodland has resulted in a diversity of plants and animals that will delight visitors.

The Trust is very grateful to Mrs Johnson who bequeathed this beautiful woodland to the Trust in 1997.

If you're looking for a longer walk, we've had a long association with the nearby Ravenshill Wood nature reserve. Download our 8 mile woodlands and wildlife audio trail to enjoy a walk through four nature reserves in this area.