About the reserve

This nature reserve has been a woodland for hundreds of years and is home to less common species of trees and a wealth of wildflowers in spots where sunlight can penetrate the canopy, thanks to a history of coppicing here. Visit in spring to enjoy the sight and smell of a carpet of bluebells, followed by wild garlic, violets, yellow archangel and woodruff, and autumn to find various fungi, such as the unmistakable jelly ear.

Laurie Lee Wood is named after the famous writer whose book Cider with Rosie put the Slad Valley on the map. This internationally best-selling memoir explores Laurie Lee’s childhood at the turn of the twentieth century and contains many references to homes and natural features that can still be seen today. Previously known as Trantershill Wood, it belonged to the Lee family for several years before being purchased by GWT in 2013 after the public appeal received an outstanding response. Laurie Lee Wood was formally opened to the public on the day that would have been the writer’s 99^th birthday. His widow Kathy and daughter Jessy were at the opening. Jessy said she and her mother were delighted that this special part of the Slad Valley was “now in such safe hands”. More than 1,000 supporters made donations in support of the appeal to buy the wood.

Keep an eye out for the wooden poetry posts featuring excerpts from Laurie Lee’s work.

Work will continue to keep  glades throughout the woodland open, enabling sunlight to reach the floor and encouraging flowers to grow. Coppicing is also planned to maintain a diverse mix of hazel trees of different ages, creating a better mixture of habitats.