A characteristic English habitat from days gone by...

The National Trust in Wessex has some great surviving broad-leaf woodlands to explore. Leigh Woods is one of the finest.

Leigh Woods was saved from development forever when it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1909 by George Wills. The Trust now owns about a third of the wood. The rest is owned by the Forestry Commission.

The wood consists of two main types of woodland. To the south is an area of former pasture woodland with old pollards, mainly oak and some small-leaved lime. To the north, the area comprises ancient woodland of old coppice with standards and contains a rich variety of trees. Rare trees include Bristol whitebeam.

On the steep grassy slopes above the river Avon, Bristol rockcress can be seen in flower in April; orchids and western spiked speedwell in June and July. Look out for raven in April and peregrine falcon in May. Many butterflies and moths are about in summer including white-letter hairstreak during July. In autumn the woodland is well worth visiting to see many different fungi.

There are trails throughout the woodland, including an all ability trail, and a diverse programme of events throughout the year.

Some more leafy highlights in Wessex

Horner Wood on Exmoor is one of the most beautiful ancient oak woods in the country.

It clothes the lower slopes of the surrounding moorland and follows the river valley to Horner village. The wood forms part of the Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve and is unenclosed, enabling sheep and wild red deer to roam freely.

Insects and birds abound, such as the silver-washed fritillary butterfly in July and pied flycatcher, wood warbler and redstart from May to August. You may see dippers along the river all year. Horner Wood is of European importance for its lichen flora. Over 330 species occur, including all four species of Lobaaria. They are best seen in winter.

The National Trust’s policy is to leave the evolution of Horner Wood to natural processes as much as possible. Such a policy has to be based on detailed survey and monitoring. Repollarding ancient oaks, footpath and bridleway maintenance are also an important part of this management.

• Access: car parking in Horner village, extensive footpath system.
• Facilities: tea-room, WCs and riding stables in Horner village.
• Walks leaflets are available from Holnicote Estate office and Porlock visitor centre. There are also Interpretation boards in car parks. (Grid ref: SS897454)

Grabbist Hill, a steeply wooded oak hillside with magnificent views over Dunster Castle to the Quantocks. Notable for its rare lichens and mosses. (Grid ref: SS983436)

Shervage Wood and Willoughby Cleave, Oak woodland and Oak coppice with views over the Bristol Channel. Notable for lichens and beetles associated with old oaks. (Grid ref: ST1640)