Tocil Wood Nature Reserve

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?

• Take a woodland walk
• Stay quiet and watch for shy stoat or weasel
• Visit in spring for a sea of bluebells
• Visit in autumn to spot funky fungi
• Try a woodland winter wildlife spot