As you explore, you will encounter many of the dominant trees, including sessile and penduculate oaks with silver birch on the higher, drier slopes and ash, alder, aspen and willow in the wetter areas. The shrub layer is characterised by holly, rowan, hawthorn, honeysuckle and hazel. However, trees and shrubs not native to the Charnwood area such as poplar, sweet chestnut, various conifers, sycamore and rhododendrons have become naturalised as a result of planting in the past, and often offer a shot of colour amongst the orangey hues of the autumnal leaves.
As the leaves rustle in the wind, you could be excused for thinking that you were all alone. But listen carefully, and you might hear the sounds of muntjac deer and foxes hiding in the undergrowth. There is a healthy population of badgers in Stoneywell Woods, too, as well as woodland birds including woodcocks and woodpeckers. There's even a carving of a long-ago fallen tree branch, affectionately known as Lester Lizard.
