Penningtons Copse and Alder Bed are coppiced areas of woodland in West Moors.

Penningtons Copse has existed as a wooded area possibly as far back as 1339, and was a part of West Moors Farm from the early seventeenth century until recent times.

The Alder Bed area is not listed as ancient woodland, but was probably managed as a water meadow in the past. It is thought that the alder bed was planted, or regenerated naturally, in the late eighteenth century in order to be managed as coppice woodland.

Nearest Town West Moors
Look out for The woodland supports dozens of bird species, a vibrant flush of wild flowers (particularly bluebells in spring), deer and badger populations.
Habitats Coppiced woodland with hazel, birch and ash flourishing under the mature oaks and dense stands of alder in the wetter areas.
Site designations

Local Nature Reserve

Nearest bus stop Station Road, Wilts and Dorset bus route
Nearest train station Poole (11 miles)
Grid reference SU 076 025
Size 12.1 hectares
Parking No parking at site
Accessibility Unsurfaced narrow paths
Facilities Dog bins at entrances to site
Owner Dorset Council (Previously East Dorset District Council)
Managed by Dorset Council Countryside Team
How to get there:

From West Moors village centre, follow Station Road north, turn left onto Farm Road (by the doctor's surgery) and follow the road round to Birch Grove on the left. Penningtons Copse main entrance is off the mown patch of amenity grass.

From Three-Legged Cross direction, follow signs to West Moors, along West Moors Road (B3072) and Station Road. Turn right onto Farm Road (by the doctor's surgery), follow the road round to Birch Grove on your left, and Penningtons Copse main entrance is across the grassed area.

Countryside Officer - East Dorset

Name: Eastern Area Ranger Team
Email: ben.wallbridge@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01425 483809
Full contact details