Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve is a working wood that has been under continuous traditional management since 1252, fulfilling local needs for firewood and hazel products. It is one of Britain’s finest ancient woodlands and is a glorious haven for wildlife. The soil types range across the site from acid to alkaline, explaining the impressive variety of plants – 370 at the last count!

As the coppice shoots regenerate, their dense bushy growth provides excellent cover for migrant songbirds such as garden warbler, blackcap and the enigmatic nightingale whose delightful song alone makes this reserve worth visiting. Mammals including the stoat, yellow-necked mouse, dormouse and badger are also resident. On sunny summer days the sheltered rides create the prefect habitat for butterflies, of which there are 24 species.  Of special note is the white admiral butterfly which can be seen sipping nectar from the flowers on bramble or look up into the top of an oak tree to catch a glimpse of a purple emperor.

The traditional management of coppicing at Bradfield woods involves cutting the stems and allowing the trees to re-grow before they are cut again some 25 years later. Coppiced stems are used for firewood, fencing and thatching spars. Traditionally some trees were allowed to grow into mature specimens to provide larger timber, now they are left to create a greater biodiversity, essential for many species. Trees and shrubs growing here include oak, ash, alder, hazel, maple, small-leaved lime, dogwood and spindle. Old oak and ash pollards can be seen along the the eastern and southern boundary's.

The newly coppiced areas are full of colour in spring. April is the best time to visit to see early purple orchid, wild garlic and wood anemone growing alongside the nationally rare oxlip. Throughout the summer the rides are awash with colour, among some of the flowers to see are agrimony, betony, devils-bit scabious, cow wheat and black knapweed.

Coppice products from Bradfield are still sold for thatching, rustic ash poles, hurdle making, bean poles, peas sticks and firewood.  If you require any coppice products please contact the Woodland Warden on 01449 737996.

If you visit the reserve early in morning tread quietly and you may be lucky enough to see deer picking their way daintily along the rides, roe fallow and muntjac deer are all common in the woods.

The best way to enjoy this reserve is to explore the many rides. There are 3 coloured trails of different lengths, just pick up a trail guide under the notice board or at the visitor centre when you arrive.

Please note that Bradfield Woods is referred to as Felsham Hall Wood on the OS map

Nearby Trust reserves: Bulls Wood

In drier conditions wheelchairs can be pushed from the car park along several rides and paths within the wood. No toilets available. The other SWT clay woods (Bonny, Bulls, Coombs and Groton) all have a kissing gate entrance, but alternative access for disabled visitors is available by arrangement – contact HQ.