Tiddesley Wood Nature Reserve

Tiddesley Wood - the Harry Green Reserve is a free-to-visit ancient woodland nature reserve cared for by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, about a mile west of Pershore. The 80-hectare (200-acre) wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and was once an enclosed deer park owned by the Abbots of Pershore Abbey before passing to the Forestry Commission.

**Spring bluebells:** In spring the coppiced plots are carpeted with bluebells, wood anemones, violets and cowslips. The shadier areas are home to uncommon orchids including greater butterfly-orchid, common spotted-orchid, early purple orchid and twayblade.

**Wildlife:** Wide rides and mown paths bordered by herbs and shrubs attract white admiral, silver-washed fritillary, peacock and gatekeeper butterflies, along with bees, hoverflies, beetles and white-legged damselflies. The orchard at the main entrance is a remnant of Pershore's 19th-century fruit-growing industry and is one of the best places in Britain to see the rare noble chafer beetle, on the wing in July and August.

**Family visits:** A car park sits at the main entrance on Besford Bridge Road, and the main ride is stoned for the first 2,000m - good going for buggies. Earth paths away from the main track cross slopes and can be muddy and slippery when wet. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead, and visitors should keep to designated paths: a military firing range lies in the southwest corner (do not enter areas marked with red flags) and forestry work is frequent. The wood is open dawn to dusk all year round and entry is free.