Coton Wood

Coton Wood, owned by the Woodland Trust, was planted in the mid-1990s and lies immediately to the south of the village of Coton in the Elms. It is a popular place for walkers who enjoy the paths among the blackthorn scrub, hawthorn hedgerows and tree cover, where there is thriving wildlife, including small copper and skipper butterflies. There is evidence of badger activity over much of the wood and there are a number of relatively old trees within the hedgerows, which are highly valuable for all manner of wildlife species. This 33-hectare new native woodland was planted across seven fields of which six were pasture and the seventh arable.

There are several interesting aspects to the wood - these include two large depressions in the north-east of the site, possibly the result of mining subsidence or mineral extraction. In the north there can be seen an extensive ridge and furrow open field system in the adjacent pasture. A ditch and bank feature of archaeological note has also been recorded in a nearby field. Of particular note is the double hedge and bank, which is known as ‘Procession Way’ and divides the wood in half. It is thought to be the remnant of a historical lane used as far back as the Black Death for moving plague victims to the nearest church burial ground.

• Car parking

• Woodland Trust car park at the site
• Local Traveline bus services
• Nearest public toilets are at Woodville Road, Overseal