Traditional hazel coppice woodland with oak standards, and a large colony of wild daffodils

The reserve at West Dean is a good example of how that woodland was managed for centuries — coppicing the hazel in small compartments on rotation, and allowing a few oak trees to grow to their full stature for a hundred years or more before felling and planting new replacements for future generations.

What you can see

Spring woodland flowers, butterflies and wild daffodils.

Access

West Dean Woods, two miles north east of West Dean village, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also a working woodland on a private estate, and access is restricted to those working the coppice or making scientific research. However, a public bridleway runs along the western edge, and provides the best vantage point to view the daffodils that are at the northern end. There is a parking lay-by close to the bridleway on the minor road.

Location

Size

8 hectares

Further information

Nature Reserve guide entry (pdf)

Species Recording Form

Nearby SWT reserves

Iping and Stedham Common

Levin Down