The site was formerly the Dancersend estate of the Rothschild family, who developed it as a nature reserve. It has woodland plantations, unimproved chalk grassland and scrub. The woods have few mature trees as most were felled during the 1940s, but a rich ground flora includes plants associated with ancient woodland, such as hairy brome and wood melick. The site is important for its butterflies and moths, and it has a diverse population of breeding birds.[1]
There is access from Bottom Road in Spencersgreen, and by St Leonards Road between Aston Clinton and Chivery.
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