Blackberry Wood is home to more than just our guests. Throughout the site you’ll meet some very special four-legged residents who help make the woodland feel like home.
Oscar and Anya’s young Cocker Spaniel, Copper, is our newest recruit and loves joining them on their daily rounds. Then there’s Pluto Peach, owners Kate and Alan’s famously affectionate Cockapoo, who firmly believes every visitor has arrived specifically to provide tummy rubs and bottom scratches.
Beyond our resident dogs, Blackberry Wood is alive with wildlife. As dusk settles across the woodland, the gentle calls of owls echo through the trees, creating one of the most magical sounds on site. Squirrels dart between branches, birds fill the woodland canopy, and around our little lake you’ll often spot resident waterfowl enjoying a peaceful paddle.
Keep your eyes peeled as you explore you might even discover some of the quirky birdhouses hidden throughout the woods, each adding a little extra charm to your woodland adventure.
There are plenty of fascinating things to discover amongst the trees. One of our favourites is Bugingham Palace, our wonderfully quirky bug hotel, lovingly created by the wardens.
Complete with all sorts of fun features including an insect lift it’s a miniature palace designed especially for some of our smallest residents. Bug hotels provide valuable habitats for insects, helping pollinators, beetles and other beneficial creatures find shelter throughout the year.
As you wander the woodland, you’ll also come across our wildlife log piles and information boards, where you can learn about the surprising variety of creatures that depend on fallen wood for food, shelter and survival. What may look like an old pile of logs is actually a thriving miniature ecosystem.
The woodland changes with every season. Spring brings carpets of daffodils and fresh green growth, while summer fills the site with wildflowers, buzzing insects and shady woodland walks. Along the paths you’ll find wild garlic, elderflower and many other native plants that have been part of the woodland for generations. Some guests enjoy carefully gathering a few wild garlic leaves for homemade pesto or using elderflowers to make refreshing cordials.
Nature provides plenty to discover when you take the time to look.
We work hard to protect this special environment, and we ask all guests to help us care for it too. Please keep food and rubbish secure, as our wildlife can be surprisingly clever when it comes to picnics and leftovers!
To protect the woodland floor and its habitats, please don’t collect branches, twigs or fallen wood for fires. Firewood and charcoal are available from our shop and have been sourced specifically for this purpose. By treating the woodland with care and respect, you’ll help ensure that Blackberry Wood remains a magical place for wildlife, dogs, guests and future generations to enjoy.
The more slowly you wander, the more you’ll discover so take your time, look closely, and see what woodland secrets you can find.
