Crowsheath Wood Nature Reserve
Location
Downham
OS Map Reference
TQ724965
Know before you go
Parking information
There is parking at Hanningfield Reservoir which is an easy walking distance, otherwise there is limited parking at the entrance of the track leading up to the reserveBicycle parking
There is parking at Hanningfield ReservoirGrazing animals
Yes, sheep in spring and autumnWalking trails
A couple of circular paths through the wood
Access
Un-surfaced paths except for the entrance track, which can be slippery and muddy when wet
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Accessible at all timesBest time to visit
Spring and autumnAbout the reserve
Step through this mix of open land and ancient coppice woodland, with its old Oaks, Hornbeam, Field Maple and Wild Service trees. The recently coppiced western side of the wood has opened up the woodland floor to a whole swathe of different plants and wildlife.
In spring, the woodland floor is awash with a sea of blue and white when the Bluebells and Wood Anemones bloom, while Primroses, Pignut and Ragged Robins show off their bright colours a little later. Butter yellow Lesser Spearwort grows in the ponds in the centre of the woods, while Sedge Warblers, Woodpeckers, Nuthatch can be seen flying through the trees - make sure you listen out for the song of an occasional Nightingale too!