Duke's Wood Nature Reserve
This 20-acre reserve is a mixed deciduous woodland/industrial archaeological site. It is managed by the Trust under licence from BP Petroleum Development Ltd., who were the operators of the original oilfield. The area is part of a larger site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the remainder of which is private.
The Duke's Wood Trail is a product of co-operation between industry and the Trust. It is an industrial archaeological nature trail and was formally opened in May 1987. It combines the interest of an area of ancient and secondary woodland with a site illustrating the pioneering days of one of this country's important industries.
Duke's Wood and the area around it was the location of the UK's first onshore oilfield and produced 280,000 tons of oil between 1939 and 1966. Some of the pumps - the "nodding donkeys"- have been restored and are sited around the wood adjacent to the trail.
The wood is situated on heavy Keuper clays on a ridge of high ground. It is dominated by oak, ash, hazel and birch. Most of elm that was present has been killed by Dutch Elm Disease. Guelder rose, dogwood, wild privet and elder can be found in the shrub layer. The usual woodland birds can be seen including blackcap, garden warbler and spotted flycatcher in summer. Greater spotted woodpecker and jay are regularly seen and hawfinch is a possibility,
The very interesting ground flora contains primrose, centaury, violet, bluebell, wood anemone, wood sorrel, yellow archangel and broad-leaved helleborine. Butterflies attracted to this ground flora include common blue, comma, peacock, brimstone, gatekeeper and wall brown. Red deer, fox, stoat and badger do occur but are rarely seen.
The aim is to maintain a wildlife education facility and to foster
industrial relationships.
How to get there
The reserve is open to the public at all times. Organised parties including school parties are particularly welcome. Bookings should be arranged through the Trust office. The entrance to the reserve (675603) is off the minor road to Eakring which leaves the A617 near Kirklington.
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 953 8242
The Trust is grateful for the co-operation of BP Petroleum Development Ltd in the opening of this facility and to the Countryside Commission for their financial assistance.
Gallery:
Sherwood MP Paddy Tipping (Right) and Reserve Warden Kevin Topham enjoy a game of conkers at a special Halloween Open Day at Duke's Wood.
