Flora and Fauna
Because of the rare flora and fauna the woods have been included in the Avon Gorge Site of Special Scientific Interest, and has been designated as a National Nature Reserve.
The south part of the woods is an area of former pasture woodland with old pollards, mainly oak and some small-leaved lime. To the north, the area comprises ancient woodland of old coppice with standards and contains a rich variety of trees. Rare trees include Bristol whitebeam (Sorbus bristoliensis) and Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis). On the steep grassy slopes above the River Avon, Bristol rockcress (Arabis scabra) which is unique to the Avon Gorge can be seen flowering in April; orchids and Western spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) are common in June and July. In autumn the woodland is home to over 300 species of fungi. Bilberry, a scarce plant in the Bristol area, is found in Leigh Woods, as is the parasitic plant Yellow Bird's-nest. Lady Orchid was discovered here in 1990, in Nightingale Valley; there is some doubt as to whether this was a wild plant or an introduction.
Birds which live in the woods include the Raven (Corvus) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Many butterflies and moths can be seen in summer including the White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album).
Read more about this topic: Leigh Woods
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