Withybed Wood facts for kids

Withybed Wood is a special small forest found near Warren Hill in Hengistbury Head, Dorset. It's a really important place, even though it's not very big! Don't mix it up with another place called Withybed Wood in Shropshire.

What is Withybed Wood?

Withybed Wood is part of the Hengistbury Head Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a protected area because of its amazing nature. It's also part of the Christchurch Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is another way of saying it's super important for science and nature.

The wood sits just north of Warren Hill, which is a hill with a lot of history and interesting plants and animals. The hill helps protect the wood from strong winds coming off the sea from Poole Bay. This makes it a cozy place for trees and wildlife to grow.

Why is Withybed Wood Important?

Even though Withybed Wood is small, it's very old and special. It's the only forest shown on a map from 1811 of the Bournemouth and Christchurch area. This suggests it's an "ancient semi-natural" woodland, meaning it's been a forest for a very long time and grew mostly on its own.

Its location is also unique! It's like a rest stop for birds and other flying animals. They use it when they are migrating (traveling long distances) between Cherbourg in France and the Avon valley in England. It's a key spot on their journey!

Plants and Animals of Withybed Wood

Withybed Wood is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It's a busy place with lots of life!

Trees and Flowers

You can find many types of trees here, like the downy birch, strong English oak, and tall white poplar. In spring, the western side of the wood is covered in beautiful bluebells, making a purple carpet. In sunnier spots, you might see bright foxgloves and pretty violets.

Insects and Butterflies

The trees in Withybed Wood provide a home for many insects. You can often spot colorful butterflies flying around. Look for the purple hairstreak and green hairstreak butterflies, or the speckled wood butterfly with its lovely spotted wings.

Birds and Their Life Cycle

Many birds live in or visit Withybed Wood. A recent count showed that birds like the tawny owl, green woodpecker, and sparrowhawk often build their nests and raise their young here. Other birds you might see include the tiny goldcrest, the singing chiffchaff, and the blackcap. It's a great place for birdwatching!