Watts Wood
Parish: Dunholme
OS: 121 • GR: TF 041793 • Map ref: 8
3.00 hectares (7.40acres) • Freehold 2005
Habitat type: Woodland
Location and Access
The reserve is to the east of Dunholme on Ashing Lane, a green lane that runs from the village bypass. The wood is on the right side after 1.5 km (0.9 miles), opposite Pickering's Meadow Nature Reserve. A small car park is available. Please do not block the road.
Description and Management
From humble origins as a cereal field, Watts Wood was been carefully planned and planted by the Watts family and friends over a period of 20 years.
Between 1991 and 2000, 3200 trees were planted including some interesting species to create a site more like an arboretum than a native woodland. The trees were chosen for their benefit to wildlife and to provide colour and pleasure to walkers. Species and varieties planted include alder, ash, beech, birch, wild cherry, sweet chestnut, small-leaved lime, oak and field maple along with the more unusual holm oak, willow-leaved pear, black poplar, wellingtonia and many others. A small group of eucalyptus trees have been planted to commemorate the Australian Airmen who were based at nearby airfields during the Second World War.
As well as the trees, great care has been given to the introduction of wild flowers, the creation of a pond and maintenance of the large hedges that surround the site. Although still in the early stages of its development, the wood and surrounding habitats attract a variety of wildlife. Birds include blackbird, house sparrow, greenfinch, blackcap, chiffchaff and whitethroat. Twenty-three species of butterfly, sixty-six species of moth and twelve species of dragonfly have been recorded.
The wood is opposite Pickering's Meadow which was given to the Trust by Mrs Watts sister, Miss Elsie Pickering, in 1984.
Visit Pickering's Meadow.
