See up to 40 species of Butterfly

The whole of Bernwood Forest was designated a Forest Nature Reserve in 1981. This wood is famous for its butterfly populations and has been designated a SSSI by Natural England.

Follow the yellow waymarked path for an hour and a half walk around the forest to discover the variety of habitats to be found. Butterflies to watch out for include the White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Skippers, Marbled White and rare Black Hairstreak.

For the more adventurous, extensive forest paths lead walkers through vast areas of mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland. Path side vegetation management has provided the favoured habitats for butterflies and other flora and fauna. The main conservation efforts are to encourage butterfly food plants such as blackthorn and violets. In the past, vast areas were cleared to allow regeneration of these food plants. Such areas need extensive management to hinder succession. Areas that have tree cover, giving dappled shade conditions on the forest floor, have worked better in providing the requirements of the desired food plants. Where dense conifer edges exist, next to rides and intersections, areas will be heavily thinned to create the shade preferred.