Monks Wood NNR
Monks Wood NNR is one of the best examples of ancient ash-oak woodland in the East Midlands.
County: Cambridgeshire
Main habitats: Woodland
Area: 157 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
A wide range of tree and shrub species are found in the reserve, including field maple, aspen, hawthorn, hazel, guelder rose, wayfaring tree, spindle, privet, blackthorn and dogwood. The site is also notable for its population of rare wild service trees.
The reserve's plant life includes species typical of ancient woodlands, such as bluebell and wood anemone. Rarer plants found in the area include the greater butterfly orchid, violet helleborine and crested cow-wheat.
The woodland is also a breeding site for birds such as tawny owl, nightingale and woodcock.
Monks Wood is an important site for beetles with over 1,000 species being recorded in the area, many of them associated with decaying wood. The Wood is also known for its butterflies and is home to the rare black hairstreak.
The best time to visit the site is during the spring, for woodland wildflowers.
Location and access
Monks Wood is 10 km north of Huntingdon and one km to the east of the A1 (M) between junctions 14 and 15. The reserve is accessed via the B1090 (from the B1043). The nearest village is Woodwalton.
There is car parking at a lay-by on the B1090, near the entrance to the reserve.
There is a mainline train station in Huntingdon and bus services (some infrequent)from Huntingdon to Woodwalton and other local villages.
The site is occasionally closed for shooting. Call 01780 444704 for all enquiries and information.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local villages.
