Peel Wood, Oystermouth, Swansea

Blue Tit

© Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Peel Wood, Oystermouth, Swansea

Important Notice

We are sorry but at the present time we have decided to close this nature reserve to the public. This is due to the presence of Ash Dieback in the trees.

Our detailed assessment of the number and health of the ash trees (and the risk they pose to site users) determined that making enough trees safe would cause too much harm to the nature reserve, especially the species that depend on ash. It would also reduce our ability to learn about any resilience these local trees might have.

Therefore, with wildlife in mind, we have decided to leave the trees standing- but that means we reluctantly have to close public access here until further notice. This decision will be kept under review and this site updated if the situation changes.

Secondary broadleaved woodland within a disused limestone quarry.

Location

Oystermouth.

OS Map Reference

Grid References O.S. Explorer map 164 Gower. Main entrance: SS607881 Site centre: SS607883.
A static map of Peel Wood, Oystermouth, Swansea

Know before you go

Size
1 hectare
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

Parking is very limited close to the site.
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Access

Location and Access Notes

0.7 km west of Oystermouth. Access is obtained by entering the reserve through the gate from a path which leaves the Newton Road to the south of the residential old people’s home called “Sunnyside”. Parking is very limited close to the site. Not accessible to wheelchairs. Care must be taken on paths near the quarry.

Public Transport

Bus number 2 from Swansea Quadrant Bus Station to Oystermouth.

Dogs

image/svg+xmlOn a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open access reserve.

Best time to visit

Spring, summer and autumn.

About the reserve

Peel Wood occupies the site of the former Callencroft quarry. The woodland canopy is dominated by Sycamore, with Ash and Oak as a lesser component. The ground flora has displays of naturalised Daffodils and Solomon’s Seal in early spring which later gives way to Wild Garlic. Ivy predominates, with plentiful Hart’s Tongue and Soft Shield Fern.

The quarry cliffs support an interesting bryophyte and fern flora.

There is a good range of woodland birds including breeding Tawny Owl, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Wren.

This is a site to see the locally rare Marble White butterfly.

Wild garlic

Wild garlic. Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION