In spring, primrose, wood anemone and yellow pimpernel carpet the woodland floor. Grassy rides wind through the wood where honeysuckle scrambles, and beautiful open glades with their dappled edges conceal wild strawberry and abound with bluebell and common spotted orchids. In mid summer magnificent butterflies including the White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and Purple Emperor glide along sunlit rides.

Ryton Wood is one of Warwickshire’s last remaining ancient woodlands left in the county, and is home to an abundance of flora and fauna thanks in part to a significant legacy from Colin Marsay. 

Colin did a remarkable thing for nature by remembering Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in his Will. When Ryton Wood came up for sale the Trust was immediately able to secure the future of this ancient Wood thanks to the extraordinary gift Colin left to the Trust.

Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, Bubbenhall Wood has been wooded since at least this time. A beautiful mosaic of ancient broadleaf woodland, grassy rides and glades, meadowland and open pools, this jewel in our countryside is home to myriad species. In 2016 the woodland and meadow, encompassing 16 hectares of natural beauty, came up for sale. The site had been identified by the Trust as a vulnerable and important site for conservation, forming part of the largest area of ancient woodland left within Warwickshire today.

Bubbenhall Wood owes its future, in part, to several individuals who all shared the same vision - a safe haven for wildlife in our county. Alongside a successful funding campaign, their collective gifts enabled the Trust to act quickly, securing the future of the woodland forever.

Today, the Trust is working to connect Bubbenhall, Wappenbury and Ryton Woods to form the largest interconnecting area of ancient woodland in the county. Thanks to the generosity and forethought of some wonderful people, this vision will become a reality - a truly lasting and living gift.