About the reserve

Bere Copse is a small but tranquil ancient woodland, situated on the eastern edges of the River Meon valley.

The woodland is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and home to a diverse canopy structure dominated by oak and small leaf lime, offering a variety of woodland plants.

This small yet important reserve is made up of mixed broadleaved woodland including oak, wild service tree, hazel and small leaf lime. The latter is not commonly found locally, and the site represents a very important source for this species.

Special features: 

• The site is home to a healthy population of bullfinch, song thrush and blackcap.
• Several more unusual tree species can be found here in abundance, including small leaf lime, witch hazel and wild service tree.
• The site is deer-fenced, meaning hazel and other lower storey species can thrive without overbrowsing.