Nodding donkey amongst spring flowers at Duke's Wood © Sophie Bell
© Sophie Bell
© Don Sutherland
© Roger Freestone
Dukes Wood Nature Reserve
A mixed deciduous woodland/industrial archaeological site
Location
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to JulyAbout the reserve
Duke's Wood and the area around it was the location of the UK's first onshore oilfield. Some of the pumps - the 'nodding donkeys' - have been restored and are sited around the wood adjacent to the trail. The wood is dominated by oak, hazel and ash. The very interesting ground flora contains primrose, bluebell and broadleaved helleborine amongst others.