Harridge Wood, Nature reserve in Somerset, England
Harridge Wood is a woodland reserve in Somerset featuring clay slopes crossed by streams that support ferns, wildflowers, and various woodland plants throughout the area. The terrain creates different habitats within the forest, from wetter ground near the water to drier hilltops where different plants thrive.
Mining for coal took place in this woodland during medieval times through the 1700s, leaving traces of past work across the landscape. These former mines have been reclaimed by nature and now form part of the woodland floor.
The woodland stands as a testament to Somerset's industrial heritage while maintaining natural spaces for community recreation and environmental education.
You can walk through the woodland on marked trails that lead to different parts of the reserve. Parking is available near the entrance, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended since trails can become muddy after rain.
The woodland provides shelter for bat colonies and is home to European badgers and otters that visitors occasionally spot during visits. These animals are not easy to see but their presence makes the woodland an important refuge for species that need quiet, undisturbed spaces.
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