Old Moat Coppice

The moat, created in the 13^th Century, once encircled the castle and its route can still be traced in many places around the grounds. It was fed by a spring and was therefore a ‘wet’ moat rather than the dry ditch as seen in Old Moat Coppice today.

As you descend the steps into the moat look to your left and see the remains of an Ice House where lumps of ice taken from the moat in winter could be stored and used to keep food fresh in the summer. It is believed that the Ice House was created from the remains of a 14^th Century tower at one corner of the castle well demolished during the Civil Wars of the 17^th Century.

Although it is only a tiny site Old Moat Coppice is a great place for wildlife. It has a bit of everything, a stream and a lovely little pond where dragonflies like the Broad-Bodied Chaser and delicate large Red Damselflies dart to and fro in search of insects and yellow flag irises flourish. In spring the path down to the picnic area is studded with wildflowers. Red Campion, Green Alkanet and dusky Cranesbill raise their heads to greet the visitor. Small marshy areas might hold plants such as hedge garlic or show the soft pink blooms of herb robert. As summer progresses these delicate blooms give way to the puffy flowers of the alien Himalayan Balsam with its gently exploding seed pods.

All of these flowers provide a welcome drink of nectar for a wealth of butterflies. Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Peacock butterflies all visit at one time or another. Throughout the spring and summer Old Moat Coppice is filled with birdsong. Blackbirds and Robins serenade picnickers while tiny Spotted Flycatchers flit back and forth in search of juicy insects to eat. Above you may hear the distinctive ‘kronking’ call of a passing Raven.