Postlebury Wood


Postlebury Wood is an 87 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest south of Trudoxhill in Somerset, notified in 1987.
Postlebury Wood is a large and relatively undisturbed woodland with the first records of the woodland being from documents dated 1182, shortly after which it was incorporated in the Royal Forest of Selwood, and has been coppiced and has been used for charcoal production in the past.
The wood is largely composed of Oak, Ash and Hazel. The ground flora is well developed, ranging from communities of Bluebell, Bracken, Foxglove and Wood Sorrel. Plants of particular interest include Solomon's Seal, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Bird's Nest Orchid, Broad-leaved Helleborine and Autumn Crocus.
Postlebury Wood supports large populations of homostyle Primroses, a plant found in only one area outside south-east Somerset. These plants, which are unique in that they represent a self-fertile form of a normally self-sterile species, are of international
significance in providing opportunities for genetic studies.