NORTHUMBERLAND WILDLIFE TRUST
Nearest Town: Haydon Bridge
OS Map: NY822655 (OS 50 000 Sheet 87)
This 1.6ha SNCI is an ancient semi-natural woodland along the line of the Honeycrook Burn.
Location and access: The site is 2km north west of Haydon Bridge. Coming from the south, take the minor road from the A69 at Low Lipwood, pass Lipwood Hall, and turn left at the T-junction. Follow the road until you reach a sharp left bend. You can park near here, but be aware that large lorries use the road, so park with care. The path to the reserve can be accessed over the stile on the corner. Follow the fence line to the reserve on a permissive path to the bottom of the hill. A gate at the bottom is the entrance to the reserve.
The site was given to the Trust by Roger Clissold in memory of his late brother Tony. The reserve is an area of ancient, semi-natural woodland along the line of the Honeycrook Burn. The main tree canopy has suffered the loss of elm due to Dutch elm disease, but oak and ash still occur with small areas of hazel understorey. The species-rich ground flora includes unusual plants such as opposite-leaved golden saxifrage, yellow star of Bethlehem, herb Paris and toothwort. Other ancient woodland indicator species include ramsons, dog’s mercury, woodruff and an excellent display of bluebells in the spring. The woodland is used by deer, and the small burn by otter.