Exploring Primrose Hill Woodland

detailed map of Primrose Hill Woodland near Bath

In January 2000 this 24 acre site was planted with over 20,000 trees and shrubs. The site was protected with a deer fence and this has created a haven for wildlife, especially, birds, small mammals, reptiles and insects including many butterflies.

The trees in the wood have grown well and were beginning to crowd one another out. So in February 2016 we started a thinning programme and over the following three years 6000 trees were removed leaving more space for the healthier trees to thrive.

Now after being established for more than 20 years, we are faced with a new threat, that of Ash Dieback. We have approximately 4000 ash trees that are at risk. Once the diseased trees have been removed, we will be restocking both with sapling species that grow well on the site and with others that may be drought tolerant in light of the climate changes.

*from left to right: Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Buzzard and Chaffinch*

The woodland is home to a variety of birds from the tiny wren to the circling buzzard. Although birds are present all year round, the best time to see them is during the winter and early spring when the majority of trees have lost their leaves. Here are some birds that we have seen or heard at Primrose Hill. Common Buzzard, Tawny Owl, Jay, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Fieldfare and Redwing.

*from left to right: Dark Green Fritillary, Red Admiral and Argus*

In the Spring you are likely to see: Brimstone, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Large White, Small White and Green-veined White. Then in the Summer there are: Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Comma and Painted Lady. If you are lucky, you may also spot the Dark Green Fritillary and the Silver Washed Fritillary – both have been seen in the wood.

Our woodland