Bentley Wood, Protected woodland in West Dean, England
Bentley Wood is a protected woodland on the border of Wiltshire and Hampshire, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife. It covers a large area of mixed woodland with open clearings and is managed to support a wide range of butterflies and other animals.
During the Second World War, American forces used the woodland to set up temporary structures and a field hospital as part of their preparation for the D-Day landings. After the war, the land gradually returned to nature and was later formally protected.
The wood is known among butterfly watchers, who visit regularly throughout the warmer months to observe species that are now rare in Britain. The open clearings are the best places to spot them, and the paths are quiet enough to make observation easy.
The main car park is reached by a track off the road between West Dean and Middle Winterslow, where tall poplars mark the entrance. Paths can be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea at any time of year.
The Eastern Clearing is one of the few spots in southern England where both the pearl-bordered fritillary in May and the purple emperor in midsummer can be seen in the same place. Both species have become rare across Britain, which makes this particular part of the wood a draw for those who seek them out.
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