Gomm’s Wood

In partnership with Natural England Gomm’s Wood was declared as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in January 2010 in recognition of its inherent value to local people for recreation and amenity purposes and for biodiversity.

It was designated a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) by Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Biodiversity Partnership (BMKBP) in 2008 where it was recognised for its value for biodiversity, particularly woodland (including ancient woodland) and chalk grassland and the wildlife these habitats support.

LWS’s are designated to identify the most valuable sites at a county and local level to encourage management that will protect and enhance their wildlife interest.

Gomm’s Wood is a 30 acre site and a haven for wildlife in a mainly urban setting.

It is the little brother to neighbouring Kings Wood (186 acres) which is owned and managed by Chepping Wycombe Parish Council.

Gomm’s has a range of habitats including chalk grassland and scrub mosaic and mature broad leaved woodland which are Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats in Bucks: bucksmknep.co.uk/forward-to-2030/

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Gomm’s Wood LNR is in the summer and the chalk grassland is at its best, in full flower and buzzing with insect life.

Wildlife in the area

If you look carefully, reptiles such as the common lizard and slow-worm can be seen soaking up the heat of the sun. The wood is also home to summer migrants such as chiffchaff, willow warblers and the blackcap from sub-Saharan Africa. The woodland is home to many birds including the bullfinch, song thrush and chaffinch which can be seen and heard all year. Red kite and buzzard can often be seen circling over the surrounding Micklefield valley.

To learn more about this fantastic reserve download the leaflets below and get out into it.

Gomms Wood leaflet-1

Gomms Wood leaflet-2

Gomms Wood leaflet-inside

Gomms Wood Interpretation panel

GOMM’S WOOD NATURE AND ART TRAIL

In 2018, with support from Marsh and Micklefield Big Local our Friends of Micklefield Wood and Marsh group, we worked with young people from BOOMMFUTURES and local school groups to create an art and sculpture trail that takes in some of the most special parts of Gomm’s Wood.

Download our trail leaflet or pick one up at Hills Cafe.

Take a piece of paper and crayon and go and explore!

See Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre for further information on these Local nature reserves.