Beneath an oak-ash canopy there is diverse ground flora, including wood anemones and bluebells in the spring.

The heavy clay soil provides the necessary ground conditions for ransoms, or wild garlic, with its distinctive smell.

Large mature oaks provide an excellent home for a range of invertebrates. Woodpeckers can be frequently heard tapping in the summer months.

Please note, the southern section of the wood is not open to the public.

WHERE: From junction 17 on the A1(M) take the A1139 east to Peterborough. Take the third exit on to A1260 north. Take the second exit, then go left at roundabout following the brown Thorpe Wood sign.

Follow the Thorpe Wood turning right in to Thorpe Road just after the police station. Cross over the main road then take first right into Holywell Way. The entrance to reserve car park is on the right.

For greener options, Longthorpe is well served by busses. The Fox and Hounds stop is 100m from the reserve entrance. The Peterborough cycle network runs close to this site.

WHEN: Spring to see bluebells, ramsons, wood anemones, primroses, lesser celandines, and early-purple orchids.

Summer to spot nettle-leaved bellflowers, twayblades and hear woodpeckers.

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