Roseberry Topping woodland wildlife walk
While most visitors to Roseberry Topping head straight for the hill, there's plenty to see in the woods too.
Spot delicate woodland wildflowers in the shade of the trees
This walk will take you to some of the best wildlife spots in the woods and point out a few historical features too.
Map
Start:
Public car park in Newton-under-Roseberry, grid ref: NZ570128
1
Turn right at the end of the path out of the car park and follow the wide track.
2
At the end of the lane go up the steps and go through the kissing gate to enter Newton Wood. Turn right and follow the path along the bottom edge of the wood.
3
Stay right where the path forks. Stay on the bottom path all the way through Newton Wood.
Homes for birds
We manage the woodland at Roseberry Topping for wildlife. Our volunteers have helped us put up bird boxes throughout the woods. During April and May, look out for blue tits bringing caterpillars back for their chicks. They may need to collect as many as 10,000 to raise their brood.
4
As the path leaves the wood, turn left onto a wide track and continue for 55yd (50m).
Woodland flowers
Plants like wood anenome, lesser celendine and wild garlic need to make the most of the sunlight that reaches the woodland floor before the trees are in full leaf. Look out for them in spring and early summer.
5
Take the left hand fork at the National Trust sign. Continue straight into Cliff Ridge Wood, staying right where the path forks again.
Woodland birds
There are many woodland bird that can be spotted around the woods. Listen out for the call of the green woodpecker. It's quite distinctive, sounding like hoarse laughter.
6
Upon reaching an old metal gate and another National Trust sign, turn left and follow the path uphill.
Fantastic fungi
You can spot fungi all year around, but autumn, just before the trees start to drop their leaves is the best time to look. Fungi come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. How many different types can you spot?
7
Cross the stile to leave the wood and turn left.
8
Go over another stile back into the wood and turn right. Leave the wood again through a kissing gate and continue straight on towards the cottage.
9
At the cottage, bear left and continue straight on along the edge of the field until you reach a gate back into the wood.
10
Go through the kissing gate to find a metal picture frame by artist Ashley Jackson and turn immediately right through a sharp dip.
11
Turn right at the end of the path and follow the path at the top of the wood.
12
After climbing some log steps continue straight on for 220yd (200m). Bear left onto the path that descends down through the wood.
Beautiful bluebells
Bluebells are a real British speciality and Newton Wood is one of the best places to enjoy them in the area. In May the clearing along the top path is awash in a sea of blue as these delicate plants flower. Don't forget your camera for some stunning shots.
13
Rejoin the bottom path and retrace your steps back to the car park.
End:
Public car park in Newton-under-Roseberry, grid ref: NZ570128
