The Norsey Wood Society works closely with Basildon Borough Council, the owners of Norsey Wood Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland which is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the edge of Billericay in Essex, UK
Wildlife

Wildlife

Some of Natural History highlights that the Wood is noted for: -

Spring - Breeding Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Treecreepers, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers and occasionally the scarcer Garden Warbler, Nuthatch and the elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker also breed. The varied flora of an Ancient Woodland including some specialities and a stunning flush of Bluebells.

Summer – Dormice and several species of bats. About 24 species of butterfly including the White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak. Breeding dragonflies & damselflies, sometimes the visiting Migrant dragonfly ‘swarm’ over the coppiced areas in considerable numbers. The occasional Muntjac deer has been recorded and Palmate newts populate the ponds.

Autumn – A comprehensive variety of fungi and the chance of sighting unusual bird species visiting the Wood whilst on migration.

Winter – Small flocks of Redwing, Redpoll & Siskin occur, winter visitors from Scandinavia and the occasional Woodcock is flushed, maybe of Russian origin.

Birds
The Wood provides a variety of habitats for both resident and migratory birds, with excellent opportunities for bird watching.
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Wildflowers
Every spring there is a wonderful display of bluebells and wood anemones in many areas of Norsey Wood.
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Fungi
Check out some of the Fungi that grows in the Wood 

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Reptiles&Amphibians
Did you know that the Slow Worm is neither a worm nor a snake, but is a Lizard
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Trees
The commonest of the large trees in Norsey Wood is almost certainly the Sweet Chestnut, but there are many other large trees in the wood
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Insects
Bees
Norsey Wood Beehives

Butterflies
The Wood is managed in certain areas to provide a habitat for Butterflies, there are about 26 species of butterflies.
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Dragonflies & Damselflies
A total number of 15 Dragonfly and Damselfly species have been recorded for the Wood.

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Wood Ants
Is one creature in the Wood that creates a particular fascination and is present in its thousands and is hard to miss 
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Mammals
Badgers
Norsey Wood contains a large main sett at the heart of the wood which is known to have been used by the resident badger clan for well over 50 years.
Bats
There are 17 resident bat species in the British Isles with 10 of that number occurring in Essex. Norsey Wood has at least 4 bat species but recent research may suggest that there are more to discover. 
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Dormice
The Wood is helping to conserve biodiversity by providing suitable homes for some threatened and rare species like the dormouse
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