The Duckery

A mixed, rather neglected broadleaved woodland with much birch and sycamore. Pedunculate oak, ash, rowan, elder and holly also occur but in no great quantity. The ground flora varies but bluebells, nettles, ransoms, cleavers, rosebay willow herb, tufted hair-grass, bent grass, cow parsley and brambles are present.

A wet depression forms the main feature of interest. Here, alder is the dominant tree species and lesser pond sedge forms extensive stands. Lady's smock, large bitter-cress, field horsetail, common valerian, wood club-rush, meadowsweet and marsh marigold occur under the varying hydrological conditions. This wet central area adds to the diversity of the site and is in itself an interesting component.

Management recommendations

Thin the woodland by selectively removing sycamore and birch in areas where it dominates.

The wet depression should not be allowed to dry out. A Manpower Services Commission Team has carried out some management, such as path clearance.