Harrocks Wood

Harrocks is linked via a series of footpaths to four other sites: Whipendell Wood (managed by the local authority), Merlin's Wood, Dell Wood and Newland’s Spring (also managed by the Woodland Trust). So you can enjoy five contrasting sites for just one visit. When the estate was broken up and sold off 100 years ago, the larger mature beech, oak and ash trees were felled. The birch and sycamore seen today are a legacy of the former estate. Spring brings a fantastic display of bluebells along with celandine and primrose and, in Newland's Spring and Dell Wood, a carpet of dog's mercury indicates there’s been a long history of woodland here. Later in the year you can see speedwell and campion along with the more unusual coralroot bitter-cress. A programme of coppicing and opening up of paths has resulted in an abundance of butterflies, including the red admiral. Muntjac and fallow deer can be seen too.