The ancient woodlands of Park Wood and Ten Shilling Wood, both in Canley, are 15 minutes by bus from the city centre, yet have survived unchanged for at least the last 200 years (the earliest map of the area dates from 1776).
With a rich and varied history of ownership they are at present under Council control and available to the public for recreational use. They are now both designated Local Nature Reserves.
The woods differ greatly in size - Ten Shilling being a wood of 12 acres, while Park Wood covers an area of 48 acres. They provide an urban setting for plants and wildlife and, due to increasing environmental pressures, it is important that they are treated with respect so they keep their rural character.
Woodland Management
Management is aimed at creating a woodland consisting of trees of various ages. This is achieved by selectively felling and coppicing a small area at certain times. This will allow more light to the woodland floor and encourage natural regeneration of native tree species, wild flowering plants and insects.
Woodland Rides
The survival of many wild plants and insects depends on the existence of open areas within a woodland. To achieve this, many of the rides have been widened and in some places bays or glades have been created to encourage wildflowers and butterflies.