About Kilminorth Woods
Kilminorth Woods Local Nature Reserve is owned by Cornwall Council. Spread over more than 40 hectares (100 acres) it is the largest area of western oak woodland in this part of Cornwall. The wood is classified as ancient woodland, which means there has been woodland here since at least 1600CE. Although there are no ancient trees left, there are many veterans, well over a hundred years old. The wood is predominantly sessile (or western) oak but there is a mix of other deciduous trees including beech, sycamore, sweet chestnut, hazel, holly and more.
Close to the town of Looe, but far from the bustle, this is a great place to go walking. Home to an ancient monument, the ‘Giant’s Hedge’, and former site of a busy boatyard, Kilminorth Woods has lots to interest the regular or occasional visitor. Paths alongside the West Looe River offer fantastic scenic views of the valley. There is an abundance of wildlife here – mammals, birds, insects and plant life.
Ancient woodland is often referred to as the UK’s equivalent of the rainforest – a rare and depleted landscape. This is why the Friends of Kilminorth Woods believe it is important to protect this site for the benefit of the wildlife that lives there and the people who enjoy it as a local nature reserve.
The woods lie within Lansallos Parish, and have been named a County Wildlife Site by Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
