Size: 58.05 acres (23.49 ha)
Near: Barking, Needham Market, Suffolk
Priestley and Swingen's is a wonderful ancient broadleaf woodland that's home to the finest collection of ancient coppices in Suffolk. Officially a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the wood still looks much the same as it would have done more than 750 years ago. Among the oak, ash and hazel are stands of cherry, hornbeam and small leaved limes, which together make for some spectacular autumn colour. There are also clutches of rare elms too, gifts from one of Britain's last remaining elm woods which is close by.
The woodland is also stunning in the spring thanks to over 130 species of plant that have been recorded on the site, including early purple orchids and the delicate white f lowers of woodruff as well as primrose, oxslip, and, of course, huge swathes of bluebells. Priestley has a well documented history, with timber records stretching back to the Middle Ages, as well as impressive medieval wood banks and ditches. Legacies have helped the Trust to fund a number of programmes here, and in 2000 the elusive dormouse was reintroduced, and has now established a healthy, sustainable population. Nightingales also breed on the site, and there are several species of resident bats, too.
The Trust takes a softly, softly approach with the woodland management to ensure the wood remains as natural as possible. As a result there are no marked trails and paths can become boggy in places, so when you do pay a visit, be sure to bring your boots
Visit 'Our Woods' to find out more on this wood.
