Crews Hill Wood

Crews Hill Wood by Paul Lane

Crews Hill Wood by Paul Lane

A fabulous small ancient woodland

Location

Nr Alfrick/Suckley
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR6 5HF
A static map of Crews Hill Wood

Know before you go

Size
7 hectares
P

Parking information

Parking for 2 cars in small cleared area at north of wood

Walking trails

Part of the reserve has a surfaced track but most of the paths are muddy and slippery underfoot when wet. An 8m circular Woods & Wildlife Walk is available (booklet and audio trail). The Worcestershire Way passes through the reserve.

Access

There are steps and steep slopes throughout. Access is via kissing gates.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit

March to June, September to November

About the reserve

Strolling beneath the canopy of this outstanding ancient woodland reveals a surprising mix of species.  Alongside the oaks are ash, beech, small-leaved lime, wild service, hornbeam and a scatter of old yew trees.  Some have grown from coppice stools, some are the result of natural regeneration. Tucked away in the east of the wood are old, gnarled, lime pollards that once formed part of a boundary hedge.  The varied understorey includes field maple, hawthorn and hazel.

The dense ground flora is rich in ancient woodland plants like bluebell, dog’s mercury and woodruff with a magnificent selection of fungi including several species of earthstar. A nationally rare beetle, Lycoperdina hovistac, was recorded in 1997 and more than 50 moth species can be found here including Blomer’s rivulet, a nationally rare species. The gentle management of this small woodland has resulted in a diversity of plants and animals that will delight visitors.

The Trust is very grateful to Mrs Johnson who bequeathed this beautiful woodland to the Trust in 1997.

If you're looking for a longer walk, we've had a long association with the nearby Ravenshill Wood nature reserve. Download our 8 mile woodlands and wildlife audio trail to enjoy a walk through four nature reserves in this area.

Contact us

Dominique Cragg
Contact number: 01905 754919

Environmental designation

Special Site of Scientific Interest

Location map