This reserve is in 2 parts: Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood. Moccas Park Moccas Park is one of the largest and most diverse examples of wood pasture remaining in Britain. Main habitats: wood pasture Moccas Park is managed by Natural England and the owner. 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. Gillian’s Wood is accessible to the public at all times. Features of interest Moccas Park is best known for its ancient trees, some more than 500 years old, and the rare saproxylic (deadwood) beetles that they support, including the Moccas beetle (Hypebaeus flavipes). It is important for other invertebrates, such as 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 1 other site in the UK. The open water on site supports strong populations of dragonflies and damselflies, and the medicinal leech. 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. 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 historical features show evidence of habitation dating back to at least the Bronze Age. These include a Bronze Age round barrow, a Norman motte and bailey, and an 18th century park wall and lime kiln. Gillian’s Wood This comprises 2 areas of land previously known as Moccas Hill Wood and Woodbury 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 since been purchased by the Woodland Trust and leased to Natural England to restore the land to wood pasture. The restoration process will take many years but already the site has seen an increase in wildlife, with bluebells carpeting the site in spring and tree pipits and linnets nesting in the developing scrub. Woodbury Hill Wood has recently been purchased by the Woodland Trust who will manage it as part of the NNR extension. The ancient woodland site requires restoration, including the removal of conifers and the encouragement of the native broad-leaved woodland structure to re-establish. Access Gillian’s Wood is open to the public and you can access it from Pentre Lane, between Bredwardine and Dorstone. There’s a small car park - voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. There are a couple of waymarked trails, a smaller one in the more open wood pasture restoration area and a longer more challenging route that takes you into the new woodland restoration area. Alongside these, there is a network of footpaths within the parkland restoration area, including short circuits from the car park (with easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs) and longer, more challenging routes with some steep slopes and rougher ground. Ancient woodland restoration Ancient woods have been around since at least the 1600s and cannot be replaced. Many were planted with conifer trees in the 1950s. Restoration involves gradually removing the conifer trees to allow light to reach the woodland floor allowing the plants, trees and associated wildlife found within an ancient woodland to start to establish themselves once more. The ancient and veteran trees are an important indication of the wood’s history. These are currently crowded by and hidden amongst the conifer trees. Part of the restoration of this woodland will be to identify and tag these ancient trees and carry out initial management to ensure their survival. 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 Gillian’s 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 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. For more information about Gillian’s Wood, contact the Woodland Trust.