Penn Wood

In an area renowned for its rich stock of ancient woodland, Penn Wood, at its very heart, stands out as one of the largest. The wood forms part of a mosaic of semi-natural ancient woodland and wood pasture, grassland and scrub, rich in wildlife and flora including at least 10 plants not commonly found in the county. It has a good bird population and a number of nationally scarce invertebrates. Some of its older inhabitants include the remains of an ancient beech and a veteran oak, along with a scattering of trees dating back more than 200 years. Archaeological features dot the site, among them wood banks, flint and clay pits. A community group, who successfully fought off attempts to develop a golf course on the site remain as helpful guardians today. Penn Wood is well served with a network of paths.