Stoke Wood End Quarter

Primroses at Stoke Wood End Quarter

Primroses at Stoke Wood End Quarter by John Showers

Stoke Wood End Quarter

Quiet wildlife haven, part of a larger woodland noted for its plant life

Location

2 miles from
Desborough
Northamptonshire

OS Map Reference

SP 800 859
A static map of Stoke Wood End Quarter

Know before you go

Size
1 hectare
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

Park in layby on right, just before Bowd Lane Wood on right on B669

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

Steep slopes, no paths in WT area, rough ground

Access

Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to June, July to September

About the reserve

Because it has been undisturbed for such a long time, the wood contains a great variety of plants. The soil is mainly calcareous clay, which encourages wood anemone, wood-sorrel, primrose and early-purple orchid. Bluebell and dog's mercury are common, and the uncommon herb-Paris grows among them. In June enchanter's-nightshade, sanicle, meadowsweet, greater butterfly-orchid and twayblade come in to flower. The waterlogged areas of the wood have brooklime, wild angelica, wood-sedge and three species of rush.

Oak and ash are the dominant trees, while hazel and blackthorn are abundant, providing excellent habitat for many small mammals. In spring the wood is full of bird song and the drumming of woodpeckers. Treecreeper and nuthatch are often seen while sparrowhawk and tawny owl nest in the wood. Butterflies feed in the sunlit glades - green-veined white, comma, small tortoiseshell and skippers are common.  

Additional information

  • Scroll down to see the reserve boundary. Please note the boundary map is for indication purposes only and does not show the Wildlife Trusts definitive land boundary. 

FOR ANY MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM:   communicationsteam@wildlifebcn.org or 01954 713500 and ask for comms team.

Contact us

Contact number: 01604 405285

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map

Betony at Upwood Meadows June  - c. Robert Enderby

Betony at Upwood Meadows June  - c. Robert Enderby

Support our work

Did you enjoy your visit? From donating to volunteering, there are many different ways you can help us restore and protect local wildlife. We can't do this without you!

How you can help

Become a member

Help fight the rapid decline in wildlife across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire and enjoy some fabulous benefits. From only £3.50/month

Join us today