The south part of the woods is an area of former pasture woodland with old pollards, mainly oak and some small-leaved lime. To the north, the area comprises ancient woodland of old coppice with standards and contains a rich variety of trees. Rare trees include Bristol whitebeam ("Sorbus bristoliensis") and wild service tree ("Sorbus torminalis"). There are multiple species of Sorbus within the woods with at least nine native and four imported species, making it one of the most important sites in Britain for this tree. Birds which live in the woods include the raven ("Corvus") and peregrine falcon ("Falco peregrinus"). Many butterflies and moths can be seen in summer including the white-letter hairstreak ("Satyrium w-album").