Whippendell Wood has been designated a
Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its diverse range of
fungi and
invertebrates. Originally, it was listed in 1954 with
Harrocks Wood, but was declared as an SSSI on its own in 1986.
Flora A range of trees can be found in the wood, which is predominantly composed of
oak,
beech,
ash and
silver birch. There are also a significant number of
cherry,
hawthorn,
hazel,
holly and
hornbeam trees.
Sycamore trees are also found in the wood, but these are being felled as part of a management plan, as they are not native to the area. The wood is known for its
bluebells, which are particularly prominent in April–May. There are also a few rare species of fungus, including
Crepidotus cinnabarinus, which has only been recorded on three other occasions in the whole of Europe. First noted in the wood in 1995, samples are now kept at
Kew Gardens.
Fauna The wood is home to a number of bird species, including
great spotted,
lesser spotted and
green woodpeckers,
tawny owls and
sparrow hawks. Mammals found in the wood include
bats,
badgers, and
deer. ==Present use==