Oysters Coppice

Daffodils

Daffodils at Oysters Coppice nature reserve in Wiltshire. Credit: Ryan Tabor.

Oysters Coppice in Salisbury nestles on a gentle slope offering spectacular views over the Vale of Wardour.

Location

Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP7 9AZ

OS Map Reference

OS map 118 Grid ref: ST896258

View on What3Words

A static map of Oysters Coppice

Know before you go

Size
6 hectares
z

Entry fee

Free
P

Parking information

On the A30 from Salisbury to Shaftesbury turn right to Donhead St Mary. Once in village, go past church and head for Semley. After one mile turn right, just before Fairview House (with postbox in wall). Park on verge at Gutch Common.

Bicycle parking

None.

Grazing animals

None.

Walking trails

A circular route leads you through areas of interest.

Access

Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. 

Dogs

On a lead

See our FAQ's for more information

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring and summer. Visit in late February and March to see the daffodils. Nearby attractions include Larmer Tree Gardens (6 miles), Hambledon Hill Nature Reserve (7 miles), Fiddleford Manor (7 miles), Chettle House (8 miles).

About the reserve

Oysters Coppice nestles on a gentle slope offering spectacular views over the Vale of Wardour.

Take a walk in late February and March to see the wild daffodils – a native plant whose numbers have tumbled since the 19th century. Woodland wildflowers make the reserve particularly beautiful during spring, including bluebells and moschatel, also known as the ‘town hall clock’ because of its unusual flower structure. From March to May you can smell the garlicky scent of the ramsoms, or wild garlic.

Rising springs create boggy areas, streams and a swampy pond in a southern corner of the reserve and invertebrates thrive in these damp areas. The trees reflect the ground conditions. Oak grows on the drier soils, ash on damper ones, and alder in wet areas. Ferns flourish on the lower, wetter slopes of the wood. Such variety is good for birds – bullfinch, song thrush and tawny owl. Walk to the pond where smooth newts and frogs thrive. Emperor and common darter dragonflies, and large red and common blue damselflies hunt above the water.

In the autumn and winter, nibbled hazel nuts on the woodland floor give away the presence of dormice. Well camouflaged woodcock probe for insects and worms in the leaf litter. Badgers have created an extensive sett. The woodland flowers flourish because volunteers have created sunny glades for them.

Contact us

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01380 725670

Environmental designation

County Wildlife Site
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Map of Oysters Coppice

Map of Oysters Coppice
Serene and peaceful. A great spot for a book reading session. Lots of woodpeckers as lovely companions.
Evans from Shaftesbury
Volunteer

Volunteer, Aline Denton, cuts brambles and blackthorn as part of the farm's conservation management - Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Volunteer at Oysters Coppice

Register