Doghouse Grove
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Ancient monastic fishponds reclaimed by nature and transformed into a tiny wooded grove |
This tiny site was once home to a series of fishponds used by local monks. Early last century it was planted with ash trees to be used for their timber, and has developed into a secluded spinney. Visitors can explore the short and winding path amongst the trees and in wetter times of the year will still be able to make out the ponds themselves.
In the spring a good display of daffodils betray a little of the site’s less wild heritage and the bright orange berries of the lords-and-ladies last well into the summer.
The reserve has many older or damaged trees that provide excellent habitat for insects, fungi and woodpeckers. Several species of common raptors, such as sparrowhawk and kestrel have nested in the past and use the reserve as a based for hunting over the surrounding farmland.
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Plants: Daffodil, violets, lords-and-ladies Birds: Woodpeckers, long-tailed tit, wren |
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