About the reserve

There are over forty breeding bird species in this ancient woodland, including pied flycatcher and redstart. Dippers are often found along the river as are grey wagtail with dragonflies and damselflies flitting along the river edge in the summer.

The woodland consists mainly of wet alder and ash over a hazel understory, with lichens, mosses and liverworts supporting a rich beetle community. Yellow archangel, red campion and a stunning bluebell display is well worth a visit in the spring, whilst winter brings the woodcock to the woods.

The woods are home to the Daubenton's bat and otter spraints are often found near Shaky Bridge.