Withybed Wood

Withybed Wood is a small, yet important patch of woodland located in the lee of Warren Hill, part of Hengistbury Head, Dorset.

Part of Hengistbury Head Local Nature Reserve and the Christchurch Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest,[1] the wood has developed immediately north of the archaeologically and environmentally[2] significant Warren Hill, sheltered from the sea breezes coming from the south and west over Poole Bay.

Despite its relatively small size; Withybed is of historic and natural interest; it is the only woodland area shown on an 1811 Ordnance Survey map of the Bournemouth/Christchurch region (the wildlife community also suggests that the woodland could be classified as "ancient semi-natural"),[2] and because of its unique location, lying at the landfall and departure point for birds and other flying animals using the important Cherbourg - Avon valley migration route.

[3] Withybed Wood is home to a variety of tree species including downy birch, English oak and white poplar.

[3][4] A recent bird census showed that the tawny owl, green woodpecker and sparrowhawk breed here either regularly or occasionally.