Foxes Wood

This reserve is part of an ancient semi-natural woodland SSSI and is dominated by oak and ash. Ground flora includes dog’s mercury, bluebell, primrose and wood avens.

Location
Foxes Wood lies to the east of the M53, north west of Raby Mere, along the north bank of a tributary stream of the River Dibbin. It is close to Thornton Wood and Intake Wood which are also Cheshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves (O.S. Grid Ref.: SJ328813).

Access
To reach the west part of the reserve, leave the M53 at exit 4, take the B5151 past Clatterbridge Hospital, and after about 1.5 miles (2.5km) turn left at the second crossroads into Raby mere Road. After about a third of a mile turn left at the junction with Raby Hall Road and park at the side of the lane. Continue past a small fishing pool, and access is across the field, following the right hand side of the next hedgerow towards the wood, where a stile gives entry to the reserve. Please contact Cheshire Wildlife Trust before visiting.
The part of the reserve east of the M53 is best reached from Raby Mere. It is unfenced along Thornton Common Road.

Status
The reserve occupies 12 acres (5ha) and is held by agreement from the estate of Lancelyn Green of Poulton Hall. The agreement requires members to carry a written permit when visiting the reserve. The reserve has been managed by Cheshire Wildlife Trust since 1983 and is a SSSI.

Topography
This is essentially a woodland reserve. It contains a waterfall, dry sandstone faces and an old mill-leete which contribute to its interest.

Flora
The reserve is dominated by deciduous woodland, principally oak, beech, sycamore and ash, but with a few pines. Brambles and bracken cover the woodland floor, with several indicators of ancient woodland present such as bluebell, primrose, dogs mercury, wood sorrel, sanicle, moschatel and enchanter's nightshade.

Fauna
The woodland supports a fairly diverse collection of woodland birds. A variety of small mammals has been recorded.