Bottom Wood

The boundary of Bottom Wood has remained unchanged since the middle of the 1700s and its 11.5 hectares (28.5 acres) is now maintained as an example of good woodland practice (coppicing for example), and to encourage nature conservation.

The wood covers a valley bottom and steep south-facing slope. As usual in the Chilterns the slopes are chalk, topped with thin soil, but the valley bottom is clay lined and keeps the wood moist for most of the year.

Human habitation is evident in terraces in the wood, which may be Saxon strip lynchets, also a 30m deep well, historic sawpits and evidence of charcoal making show that the wood has been a useful resource for centuries.

Wood spurge, yellow archangel, wood sorrel, oak and beech among many other plants are present, and in addition to the usual badger, blue tit, owls, dormice and at times, even red deer, this is also a good place to see red kites.

Classified as a semi-natural ancient woodland, this fine wood in Society ownership, is Its footpaths and bridleways are in regular use, and Open Days are held to encourage Society members to come and see the special features of the wood for themselves.

Location
Just off the A40 near Radnage, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire. See location map here.

Opening Times
Sunrise to sunset, 1 April to 31 October.

Entry
FREE.

For more information tel. John Stidworthy on 01494 483779.

Picture: John Morgan