Snitterfield Bushes

Snitterfield Bushes Autumn 2015 Charline Hue

Charline Hue 

250 Number of plant species
29 Different butterflies
Explore woodland glades and ponds at this tranquil nature reserve

Location

3 miles north of Stratford-upon-Avon, lying either side of the Snitterfield to Bearley Road
What3Words: tester.nutty.expert
Stratford-on-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 0JH

OS Map Reference

SP 20019 60333
A static map of Snitterfield Bushes

Know before you go

Size
44 hectares
P

Parking information

Car park at the reserve is for members only. When you join you will receive information on how to access the car park.

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

Relatively flat, some concrete access paths, some of which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

Access

The walking trails are mostly flat, and surfaced. The majority of the paths are accessed through the radar kissing gate.

Dogs

Assistance dogs only

Guide and assistance dogs only

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Facilities

Accessible trails

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times, car park for members only

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Situated just north of Shakespeare’s historic Stratford-Upon-Avon, Snitterfield Bushes reserve lies either side of the Snitterfield to Bearley Road, and once formed part of a much larger area of semi-natural, broad-leaved woodland.   

History of Snitterfield Bushes

Natural forest for centuries, the wood was used for timber, common pasture and agriculture. You can still see old ridge and furrow plough markings in some areas of the reserve. The site was used as an airfield during the 2nd World War and traces of the old concrete runway network and bomb stores can be found towards the centre of the reserve.  Following clear-felling of the woodland in the 1940s, the site has now been returned to its current excellence through careful management, deserving of its SSSI status. 

What's it like to visit?

Visit in spring to enjoy the exquisite carpet of bluebells, primroses and early-purple orchids. The woodland supports an impressive 250 different species of plants, including a number of more special flowers, found at limited sites across Warwickshire. You might see herb-paris, fragrant agrimony, columbine, meadow saffron or bird’s-nest orchid.   

What to see during autumn and winter?

Autumn brings an impressive selection of fungi including puffball, milkcaps and boletes to Snitterfield Bushes. Roe and fallow deer can be seen quietly feeding among the trees while badgers and foxes are regular visitors to the reserve.

Love wildlife? Become a member and make a difference on your doorstep

As a member, your subscription will help look after local wildlife and our amazing nature reserves across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. You'll receive a range of benefits, including free entry to over 65 local nature reserves, with member only free car parks where available, and our Wild Warwickshire magazine three times a year.

Become a member

Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 024 7630 2912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map