Brampton Wood

About the reserve

Brampton Wood is the second largest ancient woodland in Cambridgeshire and is at least 900 years old. The first records date back to the Domesday Book. The trees include aspen, oak, ash, field maple and birch. The entire wood was once clear felled and has since naturally regenerated. Some areas are now coppiced and provide a habitat for dormice.

Plants to look out for include primrose, water purslane, wood spurge, common spotted orchid and devil's-bit scabious. Wild pear is a native but uncommon species and two specimens are found on the wood perimeter path with a number of others nearby.

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Current Management

We have felled trees beside the rides to create an improved edge habitat and promote the growth of early successional species. Ride edges host high species diversity, attracting plants and animals from outlying woodland and grassland areas. Each year we coppice different sections of the wood, creating a variation in age structure throughout the wood. The grassy areas of the ride are maintained by biennial mowing to encourage a high density of wildflowers.

We have regular work parties at Brampton Wood on the second Sunday of every month. Please consider coming out to lend a hand, make some new friends, and help our wildlife work at this reserve. More details here.

Habitat restoration in Brampton Wood

As part of the ongoing restoration of the reserve, most of the conifers have been cleared. This clearance work has created open conditions that allow the natural regeneration of native trees and shrubs. Eventually conditions will be ideal for the recolonisation and flourishing of primroses, bluebells and other ancient woodland plants.

Our work is supported by the Forestry Commission and Natural England.

Download our reserve leaflet