Bob Coyle

Barrie Wilkinson

Hopland's Wood

Exploring woods

An example of the once extensive oak/ash woods of the calcareous Boulder Clay soils of Lincolnshire.

Location

Candlesby Road
Claxby St Andrew

Alford

Nearest postcode LN13 0HL

OS Map Reference

TF 459 718

Know before you go

Size

14 hectares

Parking information

Roadside parking

Walking trails

Waymarked routes available, visitors are requested to keep to the rides, a public footpath crosses the reserve on the main east-west ride

Access

Wheelchair access may only be possible in dry weather

Dogs

No dogs permitted

Assistance dogs only

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

The moisture retentive clays and the closeness of the canopy make Hoplands a damp wood in which ferns and mosses abound. Oak and ash are the dominant trees. There is a varied bird population including woodcock, tawny owl, treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker, spotted flycatcher and nuthatch, as well as six species of summer warbler. Barn owls occasionally hunt in the rides. A pond in the glade also attracts spawning frogs.

The usual ancient woodland indicators are present such as dog’s mercury, bluebell, bugle and early purple orchid. A good population of herb-Paris as well as common twaybalde orchid is also present.

Nearest postcode LN13 0HL. Please note - postcodes are for the nearest registered address as we are unable to get postcodes for nature reserves.