The area of the site is 92.16 hectares (227.7 acres), making it one of the largest ancient woodlands in North Dorset.

[1] The woodland is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was owned by Roger de Belmont and valued at nine pounds.

During the 1960–70s, the woods were largely felled and replanted—predominantly with Norway spruce (Picea abies) and oak, with lesser amounts of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) and beech.

[3][4] The Woodland Trust has, since its acquisition of the site, been felling the conifers and replanting them with native broadleaves, or else leaving them as clearings to encourage wildlife.

[2] In addition, the trust is trying to protect the remains of the original ancient woodland; the lime trees (Tilia) in the wood are reputed to be some of the oldest living things in Dorset,[3] estimated at between 600 and 1000 years old.