Introduction

Ploughman Wood was donated to the Trust by the Home Office in 1996. It covers over 32 hectares and is one of the County’s few remaining ancient woodlands.

About the reserve

The wood is situated on the east-west ridge that runs between Lambley and Woodborough. Documentary evidence of the wood dates back as far as the 13th century and Ploughman Wood once formed part of a much larger area of woodland which covered more than 120 hectares. 

The site is mainly an oak/ash woodland, with some hazel, holly, field maple and beech. This mix of tree species provides an excellent range of habitats for wildlife.

There are many plant species typical of those found in ancient woodlands, such as yellow archangel, wood anemone and wood melick. The northern part of the wood is carpeted with bluebells in the spring, and honeysuckle occurs throughout the wood, climbing through trees and shrubs.

One of the most important features of the wood is the presence of substantial quantities of dead wood. This provides excellent habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, including bracket fungi, beetles, bats and hole-nesting birds. Over 280 species of invertebrates have been recorded so far.

Conservation management

The Trust is working to enhance the wildlife value of the site by a combination of limited intervention, restoration of traditional coppicing and removal of non-native trees. Limited intervention will increase the amount of valuable deadwood habitat, while coppicing provides conditions favoured by a different set of species. Removal of non-native trees such as Corsican pine, European larch and sycamore will help restore a more natural balance of tree species, including aspen and oak.

A pond has been excavated on the southern side of the wood and a new meadow area was created in 1998. In time, these areas will provide habitats for an even greater diversity of wildlife, particularly dragonflies, damselflies and other insects.

The management of the site is supported by British Gypsum Plc through the Trust’s Wildlife Guardians Scheme. This support will enable the Trust to carry out a wide range of on site improvements and to establish closer links with the local community.

How to get there

The woodland is accessible on foot via the public footpath which runs from Green Lane, Lambley to Woodborough. Vehicle access is possible by arrangement. Anyone requiring vehicle access or wishing to bring a party should contact the Trust office at least 5 days in advance. 

Further Information

If you would like further details about the reserve, or if you are interested in getting involved in the management of the site, please call the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust office on 0115 958 8242.

The Trust would like to acknowledge the support of The Home Office, Lowdham Grange Prison Services, Newark and Sherwood District Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund in securing the future of this site.