About the reserve
This ancient semi-natural woodland, rich in wildlife, sits on the southeast side of a dry slope valley. Most of the upper slopes and plateau have been converted to sweet chestnut coppice with a few oak standards. The greatest diversity of woodland flora is found on the lowest slopes where the chalk has its biggest impact in reducing soil acidity.
In the spring wood anemones carpet the floor of the woodland. These are followed by bluebells and then early purple and common spotted orchids. Butterflies can be enjoyed while walking along our main path in summer. These include peacocks, red admirals, meadow browns, white admirals and large white.
This woodland is coppiced each year in rotation, with a different area worked on each winter to promote regrowth, provide fencing materials and support a diverse range of ground flora and wildlife that thrive in managed woodlands.
Environmental designation
- Local Wildlife Site (LWS)