The wood, area 80 hectares (200 acres), was once owned by Pershore Abbey. In recent times it was purchased by the Trust from the Forestry Commission.[2]
Work is done to restore ancient woodland where formerly it was managed by the Forestry Commission as a commercial plantation; the conifer plantations are being converted to broad-leaved woodland, which include oak, ash, hazel blackthorn and wild service tree.[2]
There are different areas, each providing particular habitats for wildlife: the coppiced plots, where there are bluebells and wood anemone in spring; the areas of larger trees, where there is mature and dead wood for particular insects; and mown paths through the woodland, bordered by herbs and shrubs which are habitats for butterflies, bees and beetles.[2]
There was a thriving market gardening industry in this part of Worcestershire in the 19th century, and the orchard at the main entrance is a remnant of this. It is now managed chiefly in terms of wildlife; in particular, decaying trees in the orchard are a habitat for noble chafer beetles, which are rare in Britain.[2]
Links and biodiversity
The Trust believes that links between areas of countryside are beneficial for biodiversity; it notes that this reserve links the Severn and Avon Vales to the Bow Brook Project.[2][3]
