Habitat type: Semi-natural woodland, grassland and wetland
Size of reserve: 9 hectares / 23 acres
OS map number: 108
Grid reference: SX 320 773 (entrance gate)
Best time to visit: Summer for butterflies and flowers
Please contact the Trust before visiting this reserve
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Directions
Armstrong Wood lies south of the village of Trebullett and the town of Launceston. At Cuddycombe, 5 miles (8 km) south of Launceston on the A388, take the turning for Trebullett. At the crossroads in Trebullett, turn left for Lower Trebullett. Access is via a track on the right, at the bottom of the hill by Pear Tree Farm.
Access
Restricted to members of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Small parking area only. Way marked circular trail (approximately ¾ hour walk) with some steep inclines. Tracks can be muddy.
Characteristic wildlife of this reserve
The silver-washed fritillary is the largest of this family of butterflies to be found in Cornwall. It is typically found in July and August in the sunlit glades of old oakwoods, either gliding strongly in flight or feeding on brambles and thistles. Otters are known to use the river and leats. Dormice inhabit the hazel coppice and spend most of their lives in the trees except when they come to ground to hibernate.
Other information
The reserve, which lies alongside the River Inney, was donated to the Trust by the Armstrong-Evans family in 1990.
The reserve has an interesting agricultural history. Some of the fields were part of a medieval strip-derived system and in the 19th century, these fields were used as market gardens.
There is an 18th century (or older) cow-house with stalling at both ends and a central cart-shed or root store. Its roof has an unusual configuration and there is a peculiar trapezoidal vent window in the western gable.
