Netherclay Community Woodland

Scene of Netherclay showing info board and sculpture

Netherclay Community Woodland

An area of improved pasture land on the banks of the River Tone planted with broadleaved trees north of Bishop's Hull great for riverside wildlife.

Location

Netherclay Community Woodland,
Off Silk Mills road,
Roughmoor,
Bishop's Hull
Taunton
Somerset

OS Map Reference

ST 207 252
A static map of Netherclay Community Woodland

Know before you go

Size
6 hectares
P

Parking information

Parking on the lane is limited but the Silk Mills Park and Ride, Bishop’s Hull village and the edge of Taunton are within easy walking distance.

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

The site is mostly level and laid to grass, with paths cut between the newly planted trees. Parts of the reserves can get very muddy during wet weather.

Access

Open access

Dogs

On a lead

Visit the 'Dog walking on reserves' page in the Contact section for more information.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

This area of improved pasture land on the bank of the River Tone, north of Bishop’s Hull, has been planted with native broadleaved trees to create new woodland.

The site is an extension of Somerset West and Taunton Council’s existing woodland plantation, created with the help of volunteers.

The site was purchased with support from Viridor Credits Environmental Company and Bishop’s Hull Parish Council and is being developed in co-operation with Somerset West and Taunton Council, the parish and volunteers.

The former line of the Grand Western Canal passes close to the northern margin and a public footpath roughly follows the route of the former towpath.

Hedgerows lining the northern and western boundaries have sections dominated by English Elm. The northern hedge also features Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Elder, Common Dogwood, Pedunculate Oak and Ash. Good numbers of Brown Hairstreak butterflies can been seen along these hedges; also look out for Holly Blues and the Orange Tailed Clearwing Moth.

The riverbank itself is mainly open but a number
of mature standard trees occur, including several black poplars towards the western end.
The river supports a diverse fauna including a range of less common species such as Otter, Water Shrew, Kingfisher and Dipper.

Salmon and Brown Trout are known to migrate along this section of the river to spawn upstream.
A pair of small ponds along the line of the northern boundary ditch provide a habitat for amphibians.

Information boards are on site, together with some sculptures on Somerset West and Taunton Council’s area.


Contact us

Somerset Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 1824 652400