About the reserve

Temperate rainforest

These woodlands are part of the Lake District's remaining fragments of temperate rainforest, which formed due to the combination of mild weather and high rainfall. Rare mosses and liverworts are found here.

Community woodlands

A number of woodlands come together to form Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. The most recent, Craggy Wood, was bought in partnership with the local community in 2020.

Local people have once again come to Craggy's rescue by growing native saplings to replace diseased larch trees, and plans are underway to link Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood to Craggy Wood via a newly-planted woodland corridor.

Wildlife highlights

• An abundance of vibrant bluebells, with early-purple orchid, herb-paris and the distinctive scent of wild garlic completing the scene
• Birdwatchers will appreciate visits in spring and early summer when pied and spotted flycatchers, redstart, willow warbler, blackcap, great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch and treecreeper may be seen and heard
• The woodlands are rich in mosses, ferns and liverworts, particularly in areas of High Wood.
• Craggy Wood is a mixed broadleaf woodland perched high above the village of Staveley. Beech dominates the southern part and a number of impressive mature trees occupy its steep slopes.
• The northern end is more natural woodland comprising oak, birch and alder.

What makes Staveley Woodlands so special?

Coppicing ceased in the 1940s but was resumed by the Trust in 1989. Thanks to deer exclusion, the coppice re-growth has been excellent and the nature reserve is alive with birds and brimming with bluebells, violets and foxgloves.

Woodland history

The woodlands have always been at the heart of the village and were historically coppiced to produce bobbins, swill baskets and charcoal.

Signs of this past industry are best seen at Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood in the pitsteads (level platforms on which charcoal kilns were built) around the woodland.

The nature reserve is made up of four areas of oak woodland: High Wood, Dorothy Farrer’s Spring Wood, Beddard’s Wood and Craggy Wood.

Recent history

Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood was given to the Trust in 1969 by the Nicholson family. High Wood was purchased by the Trust in 1994 with the help of Trust members.

Beddard's Wood was given to the Trust in 2000 by Mrs Anne Beddard. Craggy Wood was purchased with help from the local community and Trust members and supporters in 2020. The land linking the two main areas is leased from a local landowner.