Wyre Forest is part of one of the largest ancient lowland coppice oak woodlands in England.
Main habitats: woodland, lowland grassland
Management: Natural England and the Forestry Commission
Features of interest
The 549ha reserve covers a plateau on which geological faults have created steep valleys. Wyre forest is a mosaic of woodland, grassland meadows, old orchards and areas of scrub. The site supports an important invertebrate population that includes England?s largest colony of pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies. In recent years, 33 types of butterfly and over 1,150 types of moth have been recorded. Some of the most spectacular species include the beautiful white admiral that seems to literally glide through the trees, and the dainty wood white. Around the brooks and streams, look out for golden-ringed and club-tailed dragonflies, as well as the white-legged damselfly.
Breeding birds in the area include redstart, pied flycatcher, wood warbler, buzzard and raven, while dipper, grey wagtail and kingfisher are found on the larger streams.
Mammals found in the reserve include, fallow, roe and muntjac deer, polecats, otters and European mink. Yellow neck mice, dormice, voles and water shrews are also found. Several bat species live in the area including pipistrelle and Daubenton?s.
See the site?visitor leaflet?for more details.
For detailed ecological information see?Wyre Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest?(SSSI).