Oysters Coppice Nature Reserve
Oysters Coppice is an ancient woodland, nestled on a gentle north-facing slope overlooking the Vale of Wardour in the south of the county. It is set within the 35ha Gutch Common Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is of note for its population of Wild Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) - a native flower that has been much in decline since the 19th century.
The wood can be divided into wet flush areas where Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is the main tree species, and areas of drier soil where Oak (Quercus robur), birch and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) take over. The existing Oak trees are all less than 100 years old, and much of the Ash and Alder has grown up from their cut stumps.
A suggested circular route to see the Nature Reserve follows a track around the coppice passing through the different areas of the wood.
Woodland flowers are a speciality of the Reserve and it is in spring when it is at its most spectacular when the woodland floor is lit up by the flowers of the Wild Daffodil and followed in April and May by Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and other flowers.
Where the Reserve is damp, with rising springs creating wet flushes there are boggy areas, streams and a swampy pond which are located in a southern corner of the Reserve. These damp areas are of particular value to invertebrates and support a distinct and interesting range of plants.
Wildlife
Wild Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) emerge in late February and March, and from then a succession of other woodland flowers cover the ground: Bluebells, Wood Anemones (Anemone nemorosa) and Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) are joined by rarer species such as the Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) and the interestingly shaped Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina) – otherwise known as the ‘town hall clock’.
The wood is a mixture of trees, reflecting the nature of the ground its stands on. Oak (Quercus robur) is found on drier soils, Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) on damper ones, and Alder (Alnus glutinosa) in areas where wet flushes occur.
Woodland birds are another speciality of the Reserve, with regular sightings of the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (D. minor), Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) and Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) to name a few. Wood Warblers (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) with their soft, falling song, have bred here in the past.
Another animal that has made the wood its home is the Badger (Meles meles). An extensive sett is situated on a slight slope; the ground pot-holed with the dark entrances to the passages beneath.
History and management
Although Oysters Coppice is an ancient woodland, and its history can be traced back to the tithe map of 1839, it has the feel of a very young wood as most of the trees were felled, probably for firewood, in the 1950s. Most trees are now under 100 years of age and thanks to the TPO their future now lies in the hands of nature.
Today the fantastic displays of flowers are made possible in large part thanks to the dedication of a team of volunteers who work tirelessly through the winter months coppicing areas around the margin of the Reserve, letting the wood breathe in the light and warmth it needs to allow flowers to thrive.
Hedges run around approximately half the wood and have been included in a layering and coppicing programme to promote their long-term sustainability, in addition to increasing their value as a wildlife habitat.
Only trees within designated areas – coupes – are allowed to be cut back, the rest are protected under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
Other information
Dogs are allowed, but must be on a short leash at all times of year
Best time to visit: During spring, from late February to March for the Wild Daffodils, and during April and May for the Bluebells and other spring flowering woodland plants.
Habitat: Woodland with small areas of coppice and open glade.
Specialities of the Reserve: Wild Daffodils in early spring and woodland birds. Location: Four miles north east of Shaftesbury. From the A30 turn right to Donhead St Mary. Once in village, go past church and head for Semley. After 1 mile turn right, just before house (Fairview) with postbox in wall. Parking on verge at Gutch Common. Kissing gate to Reserve, grid reference ST896258.
