Wildlife

Wildlife: The age and varied structure of these woodlands and their continuity with former more extensive forest has left a rich animal community. A few sika deer graze in the woods but their effects are limited. In autumn the wet ground near the river is attractive to the stags for wallowing in their own mud baths. Badgers are common in the drier parts of the wood and foxes regularly move between the woodland and surrounding farmland. The river provides an ideal secluded habitat for otter and their signs can be seen under the old stone bridge near the southern entrance.

Breeding birds are typical of high deciduous forest and include some scarce species such as jay, long-eared owl and sparrowhawk. Ravens nest in the area and often fly over the wood searching for carrion.