Monks Wood is one of Britain’s best known lowland woods, home to many species of wild plant and a rich insect fauna. The ancient woodlands of oak, ash and field maple trees have an understorey of hazel, blackthorn, dogwood and sallow. The rare wild service tree is frequent. Main habitats: broadleaf woodland, neutral grassland Area: 157 hectares Dogs must be kept on a lead. Features of interest Over 1,000 different kinds of beetles have been found here, making the wood one of the top sites in Britain for these insects. The ground flora includes many species typical of ancient woodland including bluebell, wood anemone, and yellow archangel. Among over 400 species of plants are a number of local and national rarities including greater butterfly orchid, violet helleborine, crested cow-wheat, small teasel and water purslane. The first British record of the rare black hairstreak was made in Monks Wood in 1828, and this butterfly can still be found today. A good range of woodland birds are found including woodcock, tawny owl, and lesser spotted woodpecker. Red Kite and buzzard breed regularly. Mammals such as badger, hare and fox are seen often and Muntjac deer are numerous. Further information about the reserve’s seasonal highlights and history is on Natural England’s archived pages on this NNR. Directions The reserve is situated a mile from the nearest settlement, the village of Woodwalton. Buses from Huntingdon and Sawtry stop at Alconbury Hill, about 1 mile from the reserve. The nearest train station is Huntingdon (6 miles). The reserve is signposted from local roads but not from the A1(M) or the A14 which pass close by. The wood is immediately to the north of the B1090 which can be reached from J15 of the A1 between Sawtry and Alconbury. There is a small car parking bay on the B1090, and another 2 on the minor road from Sawtry to Woodwalton on the East side of the reserve. School and community groups Guided walks are offered to community groups. The reserve offers good opportunities for A level and undergraduate studies looking at woodland ecology. Volunteers The reserve is always looking for volunteers – for example patrolling, site management, plant recording, or help with events. On Mondays and Wednesdays volunteers help with habitat restoration or maintenance work such as fencing, scrub clearance, or coppicing. Contact Email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 3900