About the reserve

An extremely peaceful location, Cabilla and Redrice Woods is one of the finest ancient woodlands in Cornwall, where veteran (150 – 300 years old) and ancient (over 400 years old) oak trees are found alongside a tributary to the River Fowey, which runs through the western end of the reserve.

In spring, the woodland is a sea of blue and purple, as bluebells cover the ground, whilst in autumn dappled light shines through onto the oranges, reds and yellows of fallen leaves.

The reserve is home to six species of bat, including the greater horseshoe bat and lesser horseshoe bat. Otters visit this stretch of the Fowey and, if you’re lucky, you
may come across foraging roe or red deer deep in the woodland.

Listen out for resident woodland birds in early spring, such as nuthatch, marsh tit, and song thrush, and summer visitors, including willow warbler, blackcap,
chiffchaff and spotted flycatcher.

An array of butterflies can be spotted along woodland rides (open, sunny corridors in the woodland) throughout the spring and summer on warm still days. Look for brimstone and comma in April and silver washed-fritillary in July.