Three Groves Wood

Discover a secluded, mixed ancient woodland dominated by beech trees on the north side of the Frome Valley. As its name suggests, Three Groves Wood is made up of three separate groves each with their own name: Pearce, Gassons and Teals. Visit its steep slopes in spring to see a carpet of bluebells, along with primrose, dog-violet and yellow archangel. Butterflies commonly seen within this shady nature reserve include silver-washed fritillary and gatekeeper, while woodland snails such as the bulin snail Ena montana and brown snail Zenobiella subrufescens can also be found, molluscs which are restricted to ancient woodland habitats. Birds such as nuthatch, spotted flycatcher and green woodpecker visit regularly.