Prior's Coppice

Prior's Coppice is a 29-hectare woodland reserve near Braunston, a relic of the wildwood that once covered Leicestershire and Rutland. Ancient trees, some several hundred years old, show the marks of centuries of coppicing — you can see giant coppice stools 5m across. The wood holds 71 bird species, including nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers, and rare spring visitors like pied flycatchers and redstarts. Badgers, foxes, stoats and muntjac are here too, along with grass snakes. More than 200 moth species have been recorded, and spring brings orange tip and brimstone butterflies. The woodland floor blooms with wood anemones, early-purple orchids, wood-sorrel and wood forget-me-nots. Wet rides run through the wood year-round, and the reserve is always open. Dogs must be on a lead. Waterproof footwear is recommended.