Moccas Park is one of the largest and most diverse examples of wood pasture remaining in Britain. Main habitats: wood pasture Moccas Park is closed to the public as our tenure of the land does not allow public access, except for certain special events and for those holding a visitor’s permit. To apply for a permit call 01299 400686 or email tom.simpson@naturalengland.org.uk for more information. Moccas Hill Wood is accessible to the public at all times. Features of interest The ancient trees host a large variety of epiphytic plants (plants that grow non-parasitically on other plants). More than 200 species of lichen have been recorded and a wide range of fungi grow in the forest and grassland, some of them very rare. The reserve is important for other invertebrate groups, particularly diptera (flies) of which nearly 1000 species have been recorded. Of particular importance are the endangered and UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species, English assassin fly (Empis limata) and the Western wood-vase hoverfly (Myolepta potens), which has only been found at one other site in the UK. The open water on site supports a number of dragonflies and damselflies. There have been 13 species of bat recorded in recent years, including the Priority BAP species barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), Bechstein’s bat (Myotis myotis), brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus), lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), noctule (Nyctalus noctula) and soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus). Well-preserved features show evidence of habitation dating back to at least the Bronze Age. These include at least 1 Bronze Age round barrow, a Norman motte and bailey and an 18th century park wall and lime kiln. Moccas Hill Wood Moccas Hill Wood was part of the Moccas deer park until the 1950s, when it was sold to the Forestry Commission. The site has now been acquired by Natural England and the Woodland Trust. Moccas Hill Wood is open to the public and can be accessed from Pentre Lane between Bredwardine and Dorstone. There is a small car park - voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. A network of footpaths runs around Moccas Hill Wood, offering a variety of spectacular views. These include short circuits with easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs and a longer, more challenging route with some steep slopes and rougher ground. School and community groups Groups that wish to access Moccas deer park for educational reasons need to apply for a permit. Visits are only allowed if a permit is granted. The park has no toilets, indoor areas or car parking (although this can be arranged if a permit is granted). There may be local village halls available for hire; ask site staff for details . Groups are welcome to visit Moccas Hill Wood. Contact the site manager for details before you visit. Volunteering There are regular volunteer work parties each month, plus other opportunities to get involved with the restoration of Moccas Hill Wood. Contact tom.simpson@naturalengland.org.uk for more information Contact To apply for an access permit, discuss school visits, events or volunteering opportunities call 01299 400686 or email tom.simpson@naturalengland.org.uk for more information.