Bonny Wood lies about half a mile from Barking Tye, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the sheer quality of its habitats. The best time to visit is from late April to late June when the coppiced areas are brimming with plants like wood anemone, woodruff and herb-paris. There are also patches of wild garlic, twayblade and early-purple orchid. If you look carefully, you may spot greater butterfly orchid.

Birds are plentiful with melodies from summer migrants such as nightingale, blackcap and willow warbler mingling with the song of resident species. The larger trees are used by tawny owl, treecreeper and all three species of woodpecker. There are frequent sightings of hobby and at dusk you may snatch a glimpse of woodcock performing their mating display. Evidence of a healthy badger population is reflected by the number of setts.

This site’s recorded history dates back to 1251. In 1561 Elizabeth I bought the woods from the Bishop of Ely. Later in 1611, the property was sold by King James I and eventually passed to the Ashburnham Estate, who harvested the wood on a regular basis for hop poles, thatching, hurdles, tool

STAR SPECIES
Badger
Herb-paris

Since Suffolk Wildlife Trust purchased the wood in 1987, the traditional management of coppicing has been re-introduced. The rides are cut to create sunny areas for butterflies and flowering plants.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Combs Wood

Badgers are most active at night	Coppicing prolongs a tree's life