Walkmill Community Woodland. A bright green grassy field with small ponds, surrounded by dense green forest under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Natural habitats

Step into Walkmill and immerse yourself in a vibrant natural world, teeming with life. Diverse habitats, from towering woodlands to sun-drenched grasslands, offer a fascinating glimpse into a thriving ecosystem. Every rustle of a leaf and buzz of a bee tells a story.

Explore the rich variety of trees, grasses, and wildflowers, which create the perfect home for countless species of birds, insects, and mammals. Whether you're a keen nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful walk, you'll find something new and exciting around every corner.

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Illustration of rolling hills with a beige sky.

Grassland and wildflowers

Walkmill's open areas are alive with a rich variety of grasses and wildflowers, creating a vital habitat for a wide range of species. These vibrant spaces are not only essential for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, but they also provide a home for reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.

Wildflowers and other herbaceous plants

  • Rosebay Willowherb

  • Hogweed

  • Meadowsweet

  • Red Campion

  • Herb-robert

  • Bird's-foot Trefoil

  • Cleavers

  • Bramble

  • White and Red Clover

  • Sorrel

  • Silverweed

  • Vetch

  • Dock

  • Ribwort Plantain

  • Creeping Buttercup

  • Sow-thistle

Grasses you can find here

  • Perennial Rye-grass

  • False Oat-grass

  • Cock's-foot

  • Timothy

  • Yorkshire Fog

  • Crested Dog's-tail

  • Sweet Vernal-grass

Look out for

You may be lucky enough to spot orchids blooming in these grassland areas, while some sections also feature patches of heather, gorse, and soft rush.

An abstract landscape with green and dark gray rolling hills.

Woodland and trees

Woodland covers approximately 75% of Walkmill, featuring a rich blend of native broadleaf and conifer trees. This diverse mix creates a thriving environment, providing essential food, shelter, and nesting sites for a wide variety of animals and birds.

Common trees you can find here

  • Alder

  • Ash

  • Birch

  • Japanese larch

  • Lime

  • Oak

  • Scots pine

  • Sycamore

  • Willow

Less common, but still present

  • Aspen

  • Blackthorn

  • Guelder rose

  • Hawthorn

  • Hazel

  • Norway spruce

  • Rowan

  • Whitebeam

Did you know?

You can use the free Woodland Trust's Tree ID app to identify the trees you discover at Walkmill.

Try Tree ID

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Get involved

Whether you're recording species on your phone, taking part in an event, or simply enjoying a quiet walk, everyone can play a part in helping to protect this beautiful space. You don't need to be a wildlife expert to lend a hand.

Take part in our wildlife survey

Help to build a better picture of biodiversity at Walkmill. Go to www.inaturalist.org or download the free iNaturalist app to record what you see and hear at Walkmill.

The wildlife survey aims to identify and log as many plant and animal species as we can.

Tag Walkmill on social media

Have you spotted something interesting at Walkmill?

Let us know by tagging Walkmill on social media or sending a message.

#walkmillwoods

Volunteer at Walkmill

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and contribute to our conservation efforts.

Find out more about volunteering at Walkmill.

Or get in touch to let us know you’re interested.

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