Stop 7 Here we find more oak trees. Notice the moss and lichens growing on the trunk of the trees; this indicates an unpolluted environment. You will also notice the fern, Polypody, growing on the branches of this and other trees in the wood. The footpath here is a former mill race. Up to 1948 the water running through this channel caused the erosion noticable on the banks. Image Oak Trees

Image Bed of Wild Garlic Stop 8 At this stop we can see examples of the plants which are usually found growing under hardwoods,especially the oak.There is an abundance of Wild Garlic distinguishable by it's strong smell. Image Bluebell Also present are Herb Bennett, Herb Robert, Nettle, Lesser Celendine, Lords and Ladies and several species of ferns.These plants form the ground layer of the woodland flora. Honeysuckle, also called Woodbine, is a climbing plant and produces lovely flowers which give off a most beautiful scent at dusk. Many plants which flower in spring such as Bluebell and violets make use of the sunshine before the hardwood canopy casts it's summer shade.

Stop 9 At this stop we are at a river crossing withIt's Patsy! a beautiful wooden footbridge. This used to be the spot where you could first distinguish the rumbling sounds from the man-made waterfall which was situated further upstream. Unfortunately the Lake had to be drained on expert advice for reasons of safety and the river was re-routed which is why there is no longer a waterfall.

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