Birkham Wood

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Good for: Birds, Ferns, Mosses, Wildflowers

Ancient broadleaf woodland on the south bank of the River Nidd near Knaresborough.

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Parking

Very limited roadside parking

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Access

Public Rights of Way from A658 or River Nidd.

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Terrain

Woodland paths and some steep slopes.

Habitat:

Woodland

About the location

Birkham Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its varied woodland features. The wood has two distinct zones: to the north of the A658 by-pass the substrate is Magnesian limestone and the canopy is mainly of ash, sycamore and wych elm, with a diverse shrub layer; to the south is an acidic substrate of glacial deposits on which oak, birch and hazel dominate. Wildflowers of note include Herb Paris, Wood Barley and Small-leaved Lime. A good variety of woodland birds breed, including great spotted woodpecker, woodcock, garden warbler, spotted flycatcher and tree pipit.