Grendon & Doddershall Woods - Butterflies
Grendon and Doddershall Woods have long been known as a site of exceptional importance for butterflies of which no less than 35 species, some now very rare, have been recorded. An important feature of both woods is the network of wide rides, some almost permanently wet, and others with ditches. The clearings opened up during silvicultural operations have developed mixed stands of grassland and scrub, though most of these are in the process of being replanted.A stream runs through Grendon Wood; alongside this sallow and alder, the latter uncommon in this part of the Vale of Aylesbury, are regenerating from stools cut back in the late 1970s. This and another small stream separating Grendon from Doddershall Wood provide valuable additional habitat for a range of plants and invertebrates.
Wildlife highlights: Butterflies include the Purple emperor, Brown and black hairstreaks, Wood white and no less than five species of fritillary: the silver washed, high brown, marsh, pearl-bordered and small pearly-bordered. Not all the fritillaries have been seen since the late 1970s, but it is possible that they linger on in small numbers.
A thriving population of rare Bechstein's and other bats have been found recently. Read - Large population of rare Bechstein’s bats found.
There is considerable ornithological interest in the woods, including breeding nightingales.
Location: Grenderson & Doddershall Woods lie just north of the A41 near Grendon Underwood. There are several footpaths leading past the wood from Grendon Underwood.
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