Clouts Wood and Markham Banks - Wildlife

Clouts Wood and Markham Banks offer something different with every season.

In spring and summer the array of woodland wildlife includes wildflowers such as Wood Vetch , Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Bluebells, Yellow Archangel and the rare Bath Asparagus also known as the Spiked Star of Bethlehem.

In autumn the woodland floor is covered in fungi including Parasol Mushroom, Stump Puffball and some that flourish later into the winter such as the Velvet Shank Toadstool. On Markham Banks, a variety of chalk grassland wildflowers can be found including Common Rockrose, Horseshoe Vetch, Spiny Restharrow and Wild Thyme.

Clouts Wood and Markham Banks can provide real close-up views of some wildlife species; you may also be lucky enough to catch the wildlife in action. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper and the Chiffchaff. When singing this bird sounds as though is repeating its name. Mammals also abound, you may see Foxes, Badgers, Grey Squirrels and several species of deer.

Watch our video of Clouts Wood and Markham Banks in the winter

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