A hornbeam woodland where the tree cover provides habitat for a variety of species, including tawny owls and wood ants. It also includes specimens of Britain's rarest native tree, the wild service tree. Its natural scenic beauty is enhanced in spring by an unbroken carpet of bluebells. Accompanying the hornbeam are oak and sweet chestnut with silver birch. Hornbeam is perhaps one of our most under-rated trees, originally grown for firewood and charcoal its place was taken by the introduction of cheap coal. Hornbeam in this area would probably have supplied London with fuel. Richard Mabey in Flora Britannica notes that in spring with the aid of a stethoscope the pulse of rising sap can be heard and is most 'thunderous in the hornbeam'.

Boundaries   To the west there is a fence, along the north the edge of the stream, to the south there is the gate and a fence, the east is unfenced and there are occasional posts and markings on trees.

Access   Is off Birchwood Road, along a short right of way to the wood's gate. The right of way is in perpetuity and for all purposes with maintenance according to use made.

Covenant  There is a covenant on the wood designed to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of this and adjoining woodlands, click HERE to read and download.

CLICK HERE  for better quality maps to print out.

Click HERE to see free OS maps  scroll out for a wider view.

Viewing: You are welcome to visit this wood by yourself, but please ensure that you have a copy of these sales details with you - many of our woodlands do not have mobile phone reception or internet access so we recommend either printing the details or downloading them to your phone/tablet/laptop. Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception.

Maps are : © Crown copyright and database rights 2020 OS Licence no.100057987