Flora of Little hyden woods

Bluebell Wood is recorded as Semi Natural Ancient Woodland (SNAW) or Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW). This means that it has a wide and impressive flora. Surveys carried out initially by Hampshire Biological Records (funded by East Hampshire AONB), and latterly by Wesnet Services Ltd in conjunction with the Bluebell Wood Volunteer Group have revealed that there are at least 40 Ancient Woodland Vascular Plant (AWVP) species present. The presence of these plants indicates the age of a woodland; the more plants on the AWVP list the older the woodland. The considered opinion of the experts is if you have more than 20 the woodland is extremely old and important to the local landscape. Many people will be familiar with some of the more common AWVP species such as bluebell and wood anemone. But as well as these common species the woodland has:

• 5 orchid species
• Toothwort
• 5 tree species (on AWVP list)
• 28+ other AWVP species

The surveys that produced these lists are ongoing so it may be that there are more AWVP species. If you are interested in getting involved in looking for plants click on the Volunteer Group to find out more. Using the information gained from both the plant surveys and other surveys carried out, the following management objectives of the woodland have been set.

• Conservation

• Sustainable timber production

• Amenity