Bugdens Copse is a remnant of the ancient forest of 'Fayre Wood' from which the local town of Verwood derives its name.
The woodland would have played an integral part in the lives of Verwood residents' lives, in relatively recent times. Trees were felled for timber, and the ancient coppice re-growth used to make many products such as thatching spars, hurdles and charcoal. These traditional uses and forms of management have helped to shape the woodland over centuries, and coincidentally provided various stages of growth within the wood to create a wonderfully diverse habitat for the plants, insects and animals living there.
Site management is focused around maintaining this varied age structure to continue to benefit a wide range of wildlife.
| Nearest Town | Verwood |
|---|---|
| Look out for | Plants such as Wood Anemone, Bluebell, Yellow Pimpernel, Wood Sorrell and Cow Wheat cover the woodland floor in spring. Around 20 different species of tree and shrub, 65 species of flowering plant, and over 40 species of bird including Marsh Tit have been recorded here. Butterflies such as Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral can be seen in open glade areas. |
| Habitats | Semi-natural ancient woodland |
| Site designations | |
| Nearest bus stop | Manor Road, Wilts and Dorset bus route |
| Nearest train station | Bournemouth (15 miles) |
| Grid reference | SU 088 087 |
| Size | 6 hectares |
| Parking | Cars can be parked in the corner of the Morrisons car park. |
| Accessibility | All weather surface path forming a 1 mile circular route around the woodland suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. |
| Facilities | Dog bins at each entrance |
| Owner | Dorset Council (Previously East Dorset District Council) |
| Managed by | Dorset Council Countryside Team |
| How to get there |
From Verwood village centre, follow signs for Three-Legged Cross, either down Manor Road or Black Hill and Burnbake Road (NOT Newtown Road). At Morrisons roundabout, enter Morrisons car park and drive to park at the far side of the car park. From Three-legged Cross, follow signs for Verwood (Manor Road, B3072). When you get to Morrisons roundabout, enter Morrisons car park and drive past the shops and the leisure centre to park at the far side of the car park. |