Jim Asher
Woodland flowers were the unexpected beneficiaries when the great storm of October 1987 brought several trees crashing down at Long Grove Wood. New glades created the ideal conditions for beauties such as bluebells and yellow archangel.
Natural regeneration
Allowing nature to take its course is the key to managing this piece of the old mixed deciduous woodland. Trees are allowed to grow old, natural glades are created when trees blow over and dead wood is retained where possible for insects and fungi.
The wood is dominated by beech and hornbeam. Holly and birch can be found in more open areas where trees have had to be pruned or felled. Ancient and gnarled beech coppice stools (multi-stemmed stumps) testify to prolonged coppicing of the trees in the past.
Birds such as the great spotted woodpecker and tree creeper benefit from the tall old trees.
Things to do
- Local volunteers occasionally run family events at this nature reserve, such as bug trails and mask making.
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Download the site risk assessment.
Species and habitats
- Habitats
- Woodland
- Species
- Bluebell, Honeysuckle, Yellow Archangel, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Song Thrush, Treecreeper
Nearby nature reserves
- Gomm Valley
- 4 miles - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
- Springwell Reedbed
- 5 miles - Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
- Stocker's Lake
- 5 miles - Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
.jpg "Water vole by Laurence Arnold")
.jpg "Bumblebee by Steve Mendham")