Leasam Heronry Wood

Also within

East Sussex County High Weald Scenic Area

Condition (Natural England)

Description

Area, 2.2 ha. 5.2 ac. Description A small, not long established woodland which contains a nationally important heronry (heron). Birds first began to establish themselves here in 1935 and have been breeding since 1940, showing a distinct preference for ash trees to nest in. The numbers of heron regularly reach fifty pairs which represents one percent of the total British breeding population. Although not ancient the woodland contains an interesting diversity of plants. Oak Quercus robur, ash Fraxinus excelsior, alder Alnus glutinosa, hazel Corylus avellana and hornbeam Carpinus betulus form the main tree canopy with holly Ilex aquifolium forming the shrub layer beneath. The ground flora is rather poor and dominated by bramble Rubus fruticosus, dog's mercury Mercurialis perennis and nettles Urtica dioica although the locally rare greater chickweed Stellaria neglecta has been recorded from here.

Species mentioned