Beechwoods

In the 1840s these Beechwoods were planted on arable land and mediaeval plough terraces are still visible beneath the trees. Before the budding beech-leaves can cast their deep cool shade delicate white helleborines can be seen on the dry chalky soil, pushing up their flowering spikes. These orchids are usually found under beech, and this nature reserve is one of their most northerly outposts. The original beech trees are all mature, and beech-bark fungus combined with autumn gales have caused many of them to fall in recent years. Saplings have sprung up in the gaps, and the wood is now developing a more varied structure. West of the old wood, local people planted a new area of broad-leaved trees in 1992. and because this area has a greater variety of trees it will mature to provide a range of habitats to complement the old beech wood. In years with a good beech mast crop, you will see large flocks of bramblings gathering to feed on this rich food source. Please note that the wood is dangerous in high winds as the beeches shed branches also as with all these sites please observe the Country Code, take your litter home with you, keep dogs on a lead, where dogs are allowed, and keep to marked paths to avoid disturbing wildlife.