See up to 40 species of Butterfly

Bernwood Forest is a large remnant of the larger Bernwood Ancient Royal Hunting Forest, and consists of two large woods, Shabbington and Waterperry. The whole of Bernwood Forest was designated a Forest Nature Reserve in 1981. Shabbington in particular is famous for its butterfly populations and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England.

The Butterfly trail takes in a variety of habitats including coppice, graded rideside edges, high forest, a pond and open spaces. Follow the yellow waymarker along the trail, which takes about an hour and a half, walk around the forest to discover the variety of butterflies to be found. Butterflies to watch out for include the White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Skippers, Marbled White and rare Black Hairstreak. You will also see dragonflies and damselflies hunting up and down the grass rides. Look overhead for a glimpse of a soaring buzzard.

For the more adventurous, extensive forest paths lead walkers through vast areas of mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland. Path side vegetation management has provided the favoured habitats for butterflies and other flora and fauna. The main conservation efforts are to encourage butterfly food plants such as blackthorn and violets. In the past, vast areas were cleared to allow regeneration of these food plants. Such areas need extensive management to hinder succession, some are being kept open and some are being allowed to regenerate with trees and scrub naturally. Areas that have tree cover, giving dappled shade conditions on the forest floor, have worked better in providing the requirements of the desired food plants. Where dense conifer edges exist, next to rides and intersections, areas will be heavily thinned to create the shade preferred.