About the reserve

This woodland is varied, with oak, ash, silver, birch, wild cherry, hawthorn and various other species of varying age. The understorey is similarly diverse with spindle, hazel, dogwood and wild privet being just some of the species found.

The old field boundaries of the wood are marked by the ruined stone walls and twisted beech hedges so typical of the Doward; some of the large oaks and beeches in the wood probably date from the middle of the nineteenth century when the land was cultivated.

The ground flora is not particularly rich, with dog's mercury dominant and some wood spurge, woodruff and ramsons present. The most interesting plants are to be found in early Spring, when spikes of early purple orchid appear. Bird’s nest orchid has also been recorded. Lower Wood is part of The Doward Living Landscape.