nature reserves
Nature reserves
Bonny Wood - http://www.suffolkwildlife.co.uk/nr/sites/bonny.htm
Bonny Wood lies about half a mile from Barking Tye, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the sheer quality of its habitats. The best time to visit is from late April to late June when the coppiced areas are brimming with plants like wood anemone, woodruff and herb-paris. There are also patches of wild garlic, twayblade and early-purple orchid. If you look carefully, you may spot greater butterfly orchid.
Map - OS Landranger 155 Grid reference - TM 076520
Groton Wood - http://www.suffolkwildlife.co.uk/nr/sites/groton.htm
This ancient woodland is noted for its small-leaved lime coppice – an indication that the northern part has existed since prehistoric times. The southern section dates back to 17th century being mainly oak, hazel, ash and wild cherry – a favourite food of the resident but shy hawfinch best seen the early morning. The wood’s 22 mostly seasonal ponds are good places to spot frog, toad and newt including the protected great-crested newt.
Map - OS Landranger 155 Grid reference - TL 977428
Wolves Wood - http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/w/wolveswood/index.asp
This reserve is one of the few remaining areas of the ancient woodland that used to cover East Anglia. The RSPB is continuing the traditional coppicing method of managing it, which means the wood has a wide variety of birds, plants and mammals. In the spring it is a good place to hear the beautiful song of the nightingale.
Map - OS Landranger 155 Grid reference - TM054439