Thorley Lane East Wood
This 3-acre wood consists of mainly deciduous trees, including Ash, Oak, Beech, Horse Chestnut, Sycamore, Wych Elm and Hazel. Some of the trees are well over 100 years old as there is evidence showing the original plantings happened in the late 1800’s.
The wood is in Green Belt and has a blanket Tree Preservation Order (TPO) over it. It is mentioned specifically in the local Neighbourhood Development Plan as a Natural and Semi-natural Green Space. Because the woodland lays mainly undisturbed it has become a wildlife haven for many species.
Some locals call this wood ‘Rooks Wood’ and for good reason. There is a very important rookery that has been used every year for some decades. Earlier this year there were 14 occupied nests observed. 200 to 300 Rooks and Jackdaws use the wood every night in Winter months to roost. This roosting every day is a wonderful sight to see and hear.
During Spring a carpet of Snowdrops covers the woodland floor, which really is a sight to be seen.
The wood is very close to Southern Country Park and wildlife actively move between the two green spaces relying on the different habitats offered in each.
Foxes and muntjac are regular visitors both barking loudly to identify their location, challenge intruders or sending a warning signal to others. Woodland birds such as Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Jay and Sparrowhawk have been observed close by, so it is highly likely that they will also use the wood for foraging, hunting and nesting. Bats fly all around the woodland and many different species of insects live in or near this important green lung.
See also Friends of Southern Country Park.