About the reserve

The reserve occupies a narrow, steep-sided, wooded valley and is dominated by Oak and Ash. There is some evidence that the entire wood was clear felled in the 18th century, after which it was managed as Oak coppice. The ground flora in the Dingle is very rich and contains a variety of species indicative of ancient woodland e.g., yellow archangel, Herb Paris and early purple orchid. In springtime, the woodland floor makes a fine tapestry of colour as Lesser Celandines, Wood Anemones and then Bluebells come into bloom. There are at least 8 species of fern present and a wide variety of mosses and liverworts.

The Dingle attracts a good variety of bird species and the well-oxygenated, pollution-free waters of the brook support a variety of aquatic life.