Ambrose Copse - Semley

Site Description

Ambrose Copse is a small 3.79ha Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (F1 & C1) situated a couple of miles north east of Shaftsbury near the village of Semley. The wood is formed from a mosaic of interrelated habitats including woodland and meadows and is part of the larger Gutch Common SSSI (C2). It is a gently sloping, predominantly oak ash hazel woodland (NVC W7&8) with alder coppice. Several ancient ash coppice stools are scattered throughout the stand providing attractive woodland features.

The interesting ground flora includes bluebells, wild garlic, lesser celandine, wood anemone and dogs mercury. Underlying geology is complex, comprising Upper Greensand, Gault Clay, calcareous sand and Kimmeridge Clay. Such conditions occur rarely in Wiltshire and support habitats and species uncommon or rare in the country. A small stream runs along the bottom of the wood through the south eastern edge. The standing deadwood habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife, not least the nationally rare Willow Tit. Standing deadwood habitat is limited due to even age of canopy, however natural processes will increase this element in time due to competition resulting in natural crown dieback of surpressed trees.

Public use is very low due to its position along a narrow lane, well away from housing and lack of easy parking. There are two informal access points directly off the narrow road where small paths enter the wood but gradually peter out.

The wood lies in the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB (C3).