Lower Wood
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The chequered history of this wood has lead to a varied structure, which creates homes for many different species |
The Doomsday Book records enough woodland for 300 pigs in the parish of Weston Colville, and although pigs have not grazed here since the 1960s, other evidence of the wood’s long history can still be seen. Pollarded oaks grow on the wood bank that forms the western boundary. Traditional coppicing for woodland products has recreated the appearance of the wood as it was in centuries past.
Lower Wood is a fragment of typical ancient woodland with flourishing populations of woodland flora. Bluebells, oxlips and early-purple orchids provide a vibrant display in spring, whilst in summer purple drooping flowers of water avens and delicate blue speedwells line the rides. Autumn or winter walks through the wood will reveal several different types of fungi including velvet shank with its yellow cap and velvety brown stem. Tawny owls may be heard hooting softly.
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Plants: Bluebell, oxlip, early-marsh orchid, midland hawthorn, bugle, wood speedwell Birds: Woodpecker, tits, tawny owl |
Plants: Water avens, nettle-leaved bellflower, germander speedwell, lady’s-mantle Birds: Goldcrest |
Fungi: Velvet shank and other woodland fungi Mammals: Muntjac and roe deer |