An amazing area of woodland historically managed as hazel coppice and now part of the RSPB’s Dorset estate.
Until recently it was one of the few areas left that was reasonably reliable for Turtle Dove and the Hazel Dormouse. Whilst Dormouse can still be found legally I think we’d be on dodgy territory checking the numerous “nest boxes” so we decided to let sleeping dormice lie.
Mammals seen included Hares and Fallow Deer. The birdlife included most of the normal woodland species. Undoubtedly the highlight of the woodland in mid May was the spectacular ground flora.
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A rare saprophytic orchid that lives off a fungi that’s dependent upon Hazel roots |
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An unusually pale Early Purple Orchid |
Twayblade – another woodland orchid |
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Yellow Archangel |
Toothwort growing on Hazel |
