Broaks Wood

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This is a large working woodland with an average of 500 tonnes of timber harvested annually, but conservation is given a high priority. Where introduced timber trees are harvested, for example, the original native broadleaved trees are replanted or allowed to regenerate naturally. The traditional method of coppicing is used also, on species such as sweet chestnut, hazel and ash.

As a result the wood is rich in wildlife, including familar plants such as bluebells and primroses, and also some rarities. For example, it has a scattering of wild service trees and, in the stream valley to the east, opposite-leaved golden saxifrage. Also, there is a grove of giant redwoods.

It has several ponds and some damp areas filled with sedges. There is a good chance of seeing fallow deer, and it is a good place to see bats, feeding in the glades and along the rides at dusk.