Start Point: Fairlands Valley Park South Field Car Park, Broadhall Way (A602) opposite the football ground (SG2 8RH)
From the car park walk into the park and walk right towards the fence line. Go through the first gap in the new hedge and walk along the path through the long grass. After 200m turn right down the path by the large oak tree. Shortly after, turn left and follow the path into Shackledell Grassland.
This site is home to six species of bush cricket and two grasshopper species which includes the great green bush cricket, the largest insect in England. It is a unique habitat as there is a fantastic mosaic of short, long and rough grassland along with some encroaching scrub. All are great for the hopping inhabitants as they need an array of different vegetation throughout their life cycles.
Once you have explored the delights of this hidden habitat carry along the path to leave the grassland, until you reach the concrete path. Turn left and make your way into Monk’s and Whomerley Woods.
When you enter the woods you can either turn left and head back towards the car park or turn right to explore the wonderful wildlife the woods has to offer. Follow the winding paths through the trees.
The wood has three hidden ponds all great for wildlife and will soon be opened up to encourage much more light into them. This will encourage more aquatic vegetation to grow and make it much more appealing to inquisitive creatures such as frogs and newts!
The wood is home to many small mammals such as voles, mice and shrews as well as quite a few deer. There is a wide variety of bird life with species such as great spotted woodpeckers and treecreepers.
When you have finished exploring, head south to find the car park.
