About the reserve

Situated on the slopes of the Woolhope Dome Landscape, Lea & Pagets Wood is arguably one of the finest ancient, semi-natural, broad-leaved woodlands in this area.

Large and spectacular drifts of bluebells make a fine show in springtime, mixed in with wood anemone, ramsons and early purple orchids. You can also spot herb paris, wild daffodil, sanicle, wild liquorice and greater butterfly orchid.

There are a variety of magnificent trees dominated by sessile oak and ash and an understorey composed of hazel and field maple, together with some hawthorn, holly, crab-apple and spindle.

Lea & Pagets is home to a small population of pied flycatchers, all three woodpecker species and many warblers. Alongside common woodland butterflies, the woodland is home to white admirals and wood whites and this is a good place to see the spectacular silver-washed fritillary. There is a thriving population of dormice; foxes and badgers are present, while groups of fallow deer are often glimpsed.