Oilhouse Coppice and Willowbed

Discover the natural beauty and quiet charm of Oilhouse Coppice and Pastures, a scenic 8.5-hectare (21-acre) site nestled on the gentle southern slopes above Lightmoor Stream. This hidden gem combines ancient woodland with vibrant, flower-rich grasslands, offering visitors a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the area’s natural and industrial heritage.

What You’ll Find

Ancient Woodland
Wander through Oilhouse Coppice, a historic woodland thought to have been used for industrial purposes in the 18th and 19th centuries. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with a striking display of ramsons (wild garlic), filling the air with its distinctive scent. Keep an eye out for bluebells, wood anemones, and wood sorrel as you explore.

Wildflower Meadows
The pastures here are a haven for native wildflowers and grasses typical of traditional hay meadows. You’ll find sweet-vernal grass, cowslips, and yellow rattle—the latter known for the rattling sound of its seed pods, once used in folklore to signal the hay-cutting season.

Explore Nearby Rough Park
Oilhouse Coppice adjoins Rough Park, a landscaped area reclaimed from former open-cast clay workings. Together, the two areas offer a rich and varied landscape perfect for walking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the fresh air.

Perfect For:

• Nature walks
• Wildflower photography (especially in spring and early summer)
• Learning about local ecology and history
• Peaceful picnics surrounded by nature

Come and explore one of the area’s most tranquil and biodiverse spots—a perfect escape for nature lovers, families, and walkers alike.

For more details, you can view the full management plan.

Revitalising the Oilhouse Willow Bed

In 2024, with generous support from the Bupa Foundation and Groundwork UK, we began the regeneration of the Oilhouse Willow Bed—bringing this unique space back into active, sustainable management.

Working alongside Daisy Askins from Vine Willow Wood and a brilliant team of dedicated volunteers, we’ve made huge strides. Daisy joined us for three practical sessions at the willow bed, guiding us through:

• Planting and labelling new willow varieties
• Managing mature willow stools
• Harvesting and sorting willow rods
• Creating two beautiful living willow structures using freshly cut materials

These sessions, along with our hedge-laying efforts, attracted strong volunteer turnout—between 17 and an incredible 25 people each week—showcasing the community’s enthusiasm and commitment.

We’ve also improved access to the site with a brand-new gate and extensive clearance work. The hedge we’re laying along the track has let in much more natural light, which we hope will help the newly planted willow thrive.

The Oilhouse Willow Bed is now a regular feature in our volunteer rotation. Looking ahead, we plan to use harvested willow as a small-scale income stream to support the site’s ongoing care and sustainability.