An ancient semi-natural woodland with a canopy of oak, ash
and cherry, with some magnificent large oak and beech standards. Some hazel and
hornbeam coppice is present and the ground flora includes ancient woodland
indicators such as abundant bluebells and patches of dogs mercury, Wood sorrel,
wood-sedge, wood melick, pignut and three-veined sandwort. The wood is a
remnant of a much larger area of woodland, formerly known as Longspring and
Harebreaks Wood. The area of amenity grassland around the adventure playground
is being reclaimed as part of the wood and the Friends of Harebreaks Wood have
carried out extensive planting of native trees in this area.
Birds that may be seen include: great-spotted woodpecker; treecreeper;
nuthatch; song and mistle thrushes; long-tailed tits; great and blue tits;
crows and rooks. In the summer, chiffchaff and blackcap can be heard singing.
Mammals include: fox, Muntjac deer and pipistrelle bat.
Friends of Harebreaks Wood have regular conservation work parties. Why not join
them? To find out more contact Steve Harvey on tel: 01923 246341.