A series of small ancient woods to the north of Chelsfield are connected by fine, thick hedgerows which contain remnant woodland species. The woodland is surrounded by open farmland. There is free public access to Lilly’s Wood and footpath access to the remainder of the site.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Lilly's Wood and Black Bush Wood
Borough: Bromley
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 9.71 ha
Description
Wildlife
Lilly's Wood is a broadleaved woodland with tall, coppiced trees. The canopy is of oak, beech, old ash coppice and some wild cherry. The dense shrub layer is rich in species, and includes hawthorn, hazel, holly, elder, whitebeam, field maple, yew and wild privet. The southern and eastern edges have a good deal of elm regeneration and birch growth, interspersed with planted oaks. Bramble and bluebells dominate at ground level, with cow parsley common in parts. Dog's mercury is more dominant on the western edge. Other plants in the ground flora include spurge-laurel, woodruff, sanicle and butcher's-broom, growing here because of the chalk in the soils at the western end of the woodland. Black Bush Wood has a similar range of woody species, as well as bluebell and dog's mercury which are abundant among the ground flora. The whole complex supports a wide range of woodland birds, including great spotted and green woodpeckers, chiffchaff, jay, treecreeper, bullfinch, cuckoo, nuthatch and tawny owl.Facilities
No information available
Woodruff © Mike Waite
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