“A verdant cathedral. Woods as old as this are like ancient cities – full of well-established and complex communities.”

Combs Wood is recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘a wood for16 swine’ and it is likely that this site has always been woodland since primeval forest followed the Ice Age. As you walk around take a few moments to look at the large perimeter banks which are a typical feature of ancient woodlands.

One ride, known as Prospect Avenue, was cut in the 18th century when the wood was connected to Combs Hall by a now long forgotten formal garden. The wood’s ancient origin and centuries of coppicing - a traditional way of harvesting timber - are responsible for the blankets of wildflowers. A sunny day in April or May elicits a riot of birdsong from chiffchaff, willow warbler, nightingale and blackcap. This is a good time to admire the plant life too as it is in full splendour with displays of early-purple orchid, ransom and bugle.Specialities to look out for include moschatel, greater butterfly orchid, oxlip and wood anemone. Where nectar rich plants thrive so do many woodland butterfly including the orange tip and majestic peacock. To encourage this spectacular show Suffolk Wildlife Trust continue to manage the wood in the traditional way and charcoal burners, who harvest the coppice, can often be seen tending their
smouldering pyre.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Bonny Wood

The traditional art of charcoal burning benefits woodland wildlife	The 'eye' markings on peacock butterfly wings faze potential predators

STAR SPECIES
Oxlip
Treecreeper
Greater butterfly orchid