About Kilminorth Wood
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| Kilminorth
Wood is the largest area of western oak woodland in this part of the region and
is typical of the valley side woodlands that form the familiar wooded backdrop
to the south coast of Cornwall. Running along the West Looe River valley, the
wood is classified as ancient woodland, having been wooded since, at least
1600AD. Ancient woodland is often refered to as the UK's equivalent of the
rainforest - a rare and depleted landscape. Which is why the Friends of
Kilminorth Woods believe it is important to protect this site for the benefit
of the wildlife that lives there and the people that enjoy it as a local nature
reserve. |
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| While there
are no individual trees that can be classified as 'ancient', many trees are
well over a hundred years old, including oak trees and some beech trees near
the bridleway. The wood is predominantly sessile or western oak. There is
evidence of coppicing in the past. There are also sycamore, rowan, holly and
other trees in evidence. |
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| As you would
expect, there is an abundance of wildlife here. Roe deer, foxes and badgers can
be seen in the woods as well as a wide range of plantlife, birds and insects,
including some rare moths and ferns. See the
wildlife diary
for more details. |
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| Close to the town but far from the bustle, this nature reserve is
a great place to go walking. Its paths offering fantastic scenic views of the
West Looe Valley. Home to an ancient monument, the 'Giant's Hedge', and former
site of a busy boatyard, Kilminorth Woods has lots to interest the regular or
occasional visitor. |
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| The woods
run alongside the West Looe River, which is a great place to see waders and
wildfowl such as curlew, redshank, shelduck, oystercatchers, heron and even
kingfishers can be seen zipping up and down the river. For a more complete list
of wildlife in Kilminorth Woods see the
Wildlife Diary
page. |
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| Two downloadable self guided trails are included here for your
use. |
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| Looe
to the Old Boatyard site |
Looe
to Watergate and back |
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| The BBC filming the 'Nature
of Britain' in Kilminorth Woods. |
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| Please note, all media on this
website is the copyright of Friends of Kilminorth Woods members and must not be
used without prior permission |
