Moor Copse Nature Reserve

This Berkshire reserve forms a part of the Sulham and Tidmarsh Woods and Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Fringing the beautiful River Pang, Moor Copse nature reserve appeals to walkers and natural historians alike. This ancient woodland is a place of character, variety and great beauty, with it's 70 acres comprising of three wet woodland copses, a small meadow and a healthy chalk stream. The site has recently been extended by another 72 acres of meadows, hedgerows and small copses.

Work parties

Sunday - 11th May

Meet in the car park at 10am. Work will be mainly protecting coppice stools and, perhaps, repairing the river bank path - Read more here

News

The car park has been resurfaced..

looking towards 5 acre field

6th May - Park Wood

Comment - Early Purple Orchids

. In 1998, there were only 5 flowering spikes in the Hodsall Ride area of Park Wood. Because the flowers were always eaten by deer, I started putting chicken wire hats on them. I did this for 5 years until 2002, so they could be allowed to seed. By 2002, there were 15 flower spikes. This year there are now over 80 flowering spikes and dozens of small plants. One of the flowers is white.

In 1999, the deer fence was completed, though there remain Muntjac inside, to this day.

large red damselflywater avensorange tipbeautiful demoiselleearly purple orchid

Compressed images taken by Martin & Dee

© 2008 Moor Copse N R

Martin & Dee's notes

7th May - In the Extension, a Hobby overhead with 3 Kestrels. A pair of Roe deer in Corner field. Also, in the lane, a pair of Yellowhammers and a Holly Blue. Water Avens in flower in Corner field..

6th May - Large Red Damselflies seen along the river bank this morning. The Early Purple Orchids along Hodsall Ride are a lovely show.

2nd May - A male Reed Bunting heard & seen in Barton's Field. A Willow Warbler seems to have settled in Moor Copse Wood, this year, and his song is joined by many Garden Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. Two Beautiful Demoiselles out on the river bank, and our first Green Veined White. Bluebells now at their best.

28th April - The Bluebells are nearing their best, with perfume in the air this morning. Twayblades are coming up, and we counted over 80 Early Purple Orchids in flower, in just one patch. Plenty of Comma, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip and Peacock.

23rd April - A Fox seen on the bridge over the Pang. Our first Speckled Wood and Small White today.

20th April - Yellow Archangel, Ramsons, Cowslips and Garlic Mustard in flower. Still Willow Warbler song with established Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. Bluebells still not out properly.

15th April - The Bluebells are behind last year, and are not flowering very well yet. The river is quite full and I have not found any Scarlet Tiger caterpillars yet. Again a Grass Snake in the sun and a couple of butterflies. One or two Early Purple Orchids starting to flower.

Web site produced by Martin Raper

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