Pipers Hill and Dodderhill Common nature reserve

Sometimes known as Hanbury Woods, this is a very well known and popular reserve. It consists of two old commons covering 39 acres (15.5 hectares) which were, in previous centuries, maintained as wood pasture - an almost parkland type landscape. The Worcestershire Trust acquired the site to protect the old trees and their associated wildlife.

 

Wildlife highlights: All three species of woodpecker are attracted by the old trees,as well as tits and nuthatches. The old fish pond at the edge of the wood is inhabited by a variety of freshwater invertebrates and is worth visiting.

These ancient trees are of course ripe for fungi and more than 200 species have been found. Associated with beech, the chanterelle mushroom with its elegant shape and frilled edge, is only found in the wild - efforts to cultivate chanterelles have never proved successful. They have a characteristic slightly spicy flavour and the aroma is fruity - like fresh apricots. The beefsteak fungus looks and tastes remarkably like beefsteak. It is pink inside, gelatinous and marbled, like steak and when young, it even bleeds a reddish juice when cut. As it ages, the colour fades to reddish-brown and the flesh dries out. The bracket fungus, which especially favours oak, is also common here and can grow to 10 centimetres in diameter perpendicular to the trunk.

Location and access:  The wood lies on both sides of the B4091 leading south-east from Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove (A38) to Hanbury, about 2 miles north of Hanbury village. There is a car park at the northern end of the reserve, from where numerous paths allow access to the woods. The reserve is open at all times. Dogs allowed on leads.