Tocil Wood Nature Reserve

60 different birds
5
400 year old woods
An ancient woodland with pretty spring flowers and a carpet of bluebells

Location

On the southern edge of Coventry, situated in the University of Warwick campus
Coventry
Warwickshire
CV4 7AJ

OS Map Reference

SP 304 754
A static map of Tocil Wood Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
6 hectares
P

Parking information

There is no local parking. Parking is available on Warwick university campus car parks (there is a fee) walking distance away

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

Relatively flat paths, can be muddy

Access

Paths around the reserve are relatively flast but can become muddy in areas.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

Named Towsall Grove back in 1588, this reserve has an ancient past shown in the 1st and 2nd century earthworks in the woodland. And you can see ridge and furrow patterns created by farmers which date back to medieval times. The wood itself is at least 400 years old. 

What's it like to visit?

Lying on Liassic sandstone and Triassic clay, this lovely nature reserve is made up of oak woodland, wetland and a meadow.   A canopy of oak, sycamore, ash, hazel, elder and rowan create a shady woodland floor where bluebells flourish. Dog’s mercury, wood-sorrel, wood anemone and violets offer springtime gems. Autumn brings an array of colour and the intriguing beefsteak fungus, stinkhorn and buttercap.  

What might I spot here? 

In the wetland you'll find alder and goat willow, sedges and rush, with dashes of colour from marsh-marigold and the uncommon large bittercress. Hart’s-tongue fern can be found along the bank of the stream.   The reserve is good for migrant warblers and over 60 species of birds have been recorded. Even the shy stoat and weasel occasionally afford the discerning visitor a rare treat.

What is there to do here?

Love wildlife? Become a member and make a difference on your doorstep

As a member, your subscription will help look after local wildlife and our amazing nature reserves across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. You'll receive a range of benefits, including free entry to over 65 local nature reserves, with member only free car parks where available, and our Wild Warwickshire magazine three times a year.

Become a member

Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 024 7630 2912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

Location map