Aller & Beer Woods
Location
Know before you go
Dogs
Visit the 'Dog walking on reserves' page in the Contact section for more information.
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to NovemberAbout the reserve
Ancient woodland running along the west facing slope of Aller Hill and with outstanding views across Aller Moor and towards Kings Sedgemoor on the Somerset Levels. The woodland consists principally of Oak and Ash with scattered Small Leaved Lime, Wych Elm, Hazel and Hawthorn.
In the spring, and before the woodland canopy casts a deep shade Herb Paris, Goldilocks Buttercup and Wood Mellick come into flower. Later in the year the scarce Small Teasel flowers appear in open clearings in the wood.
In late summer and autumn this is a good place to look for fungi including the Collared Earthstar. There are active Badger setts within the woodland. Roe deer also occur.
Green woodpecker and Greater Spotted woodpecker breed in the woodland, Marsh tits occur and Woodcock may be seen in winter. Buzzard and Sparrowhawk have nested here and the summer visiting Hobby has been recorded.
The woodland supports a number of butterflies and moths including Silver-washed Fritillary.