Great Binfields Primary School is nestled between Chineham, Lychpit and the village of Old Basing. Looking at a map of Basingstoke, it is in the north east corner near the A33 road which goes towards Reading. Our school is situated in a suburban area but within just a few minutes walk, you find yourself in the wonderful Hampshire countryside.

Next door to the school is Great Binfields Copse. This is a wonderful area of ancient woodland, a remnant of the extensive Forest of Eversley tucked away between the A33 and Chineham District Centre. Most of the site is mixed deciduous woodland, with Beech, Ash and Hornbeam at the drier west end and a neglected plantation of Scots Pine at the south east corner. Wood banks and Coppice Ash trees mark the woodland boundary on the ground.

Around 50 ‘ancient woodland indicator’ plant species can be found beneath the trees; in late Spring you may see

Bluebells, Early Purple Orchids and the elusive Herb Paris. In July, Common Spotted Orchid and Ragged Robin flower

in the damper areas and in August flower spikes of Violet Helleborine can be seen, although it is scarce.

A large range of fungi appears in the Autumn, especially in the area where pine and deciduous trees grow together.

Look out for the birds in the wood – if you’re lucky you may see a Great Spotted Woodpecker or our smallest native

bird, the Goldcrest. You may also see a Roe Deer if you go quietly.

For more information and a leaflet about the wood, visit www.basingstoke/gov.uk and search for ‘Binfields’.