Sulehay Forest, together with Stonepit Quarry, was acquired by the Wildlife Trust in May 2001. Apart from using the forest to raise pheasants, the previous owners had not implemented forest management plans, resulting in deterioration of the rides and footpaths, and the un-controlled spread of species such as sycamore and birch.

The presence of bridle ways and public footpaths through the forest and quarry meant the area could be used by the general public, but access was generally restricted to these rights of way.

The Wildlife Trust are less restrictive, but would like the public to be aware that the perimeter of the forest can be dangerous where there are steep drops down onto the adjacent quarried areas. The perimeters that are especially dangerous are marked on the Sulehay Forest map on the 'Reserve Site Plan' page.

• carpets of wood anemones
  

  Wood anemones photographed in Sulehay Forest in mid April 2002. The flowers carpetted the south east half of 'Yarwell Quarter', and the eastern section of 'Wansford Quarter'.

• toothwort
  

  Toothwort is found near the base of hazel bushes - it grows as a parasite off the hazel roots which are near the surface. Toothwort does not have leaves itself. The ones in this picture are of bluebells growing in the same area. This example was photographed in mid June 2002 at the entrance to the forest from East Field.

• bluebells

  Bluebells being superseded by the anemones and ramsons. It's all part of the annual cycle in Sulehay. This photograph was taken in mid April 2002.

• nettle-leaved bellflower

  Seen extensively alongside the Forest Ride, this example was photographed in August 2002 at the side of Forest Ride West.

• ramsons (wild garlic)

  Photographed in early May 2003.

In addition, many ancient coppice stools of oak, ash maple and small-leaved lime can be found together with some fine wild service trees. All three species of woodpecker are present, along with nuthatch, treecreeper, marsh tit and tawny owl. Many of these birds are mentioned on the 'Look out for' page (January and February entry), which also provides links to websites giving photographs and further information on the species.

There is a large badger sett, and both muntjac and fallow deer are often seen. Polecats have been seen nearby. In autumn 2001, 95 species of fungi were identified on one day. Insects, however, have yet to be fully recorded, but they are known to include comma and white admiral butterfly.