About the reserve

Situated just north of Shakespeare’s historic Stratford-Upon-Avon, Snitterfield Bushes reserve lies either side of the Snitterfield to Bearley Road, and once formed part of a much larger area of semi-natural, broad-leaved woodland.   

History of Snitterfield Bushes

Natural forest for centuries, the wood was used for timber, common pasture and agriculture. You can still see old ridge and furrow plough markings in some areas of the reserve. The site was used as an airfield during the 2nd World War and traces of the old concrete runway network and bomb stores can be found towards the centre of the reserve.  Following clear-felling of the woodland in the 1940s, the site has now been returned to its current excellence through careful management, deserving of its SSSI status. 

What's it like to visit?

Visit in spring to enjoy the exquisite carpet of bluebells, primroses and early-purple orchids. The woodland supports an impressive 250 different species of plants, including a number of more special flowers, found at limited sites across Warwickshire. You might see herb-paris, fragrant agrimony, columbine, meadow saffron or bird’s-nest orchid.   

What to see during autumn and winter?

Autumn brings an impressive selection of fungi including puffball, milkcaps and boletes to Snitterfield Bushes. Roe and fallow deer can be seen quietly feeding among the trees while badgers and foxes are regular visitors to the reserve.

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