Things to see at Eaves Wood

Group of people in brightly coloured puffer jackets and raincoats walking through the woods at Arnside and Silverdale. — A woodland stroll at Arnside and Silverdale | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Pull on your walking boots and take one of the many paths to explore the ancient woodland and glades in Eaves Wood. Listen to the birds calling out and maybe even catch a glimpse of a deer as you stroll across limestone pavement and past ancient yew trees.

Winter highlights at Eaves Wood

If you’re on an early morning walk, look out for roe deer camouflaged between the trees. Yew trees and rowan trees are laden with bright red berries at this time of year and the limestone pavement outcrops are covered in frosted moss. Early violets and wild daffodils appear in February.

Ancient woodland

Parts of Eaves Wood are semi-ancient woodland which means they have stood for over 400 years. The small-leaved limes in Eaves Wood are a group of limes which are believed to be several hundred years old and the collection has all grown from the same tree. Limes can drop a branch which will then regrow from the ground into another tree, making them something of a phoenix of the woodland world.

The variety within Eaves Wood is part of what makes it such a unique area. Mature yew trees create a real darkness and atmosphere with their twisted trunks and gnarled roots, but other areas where new hazel or ash coppice is growing up can feel lighter and full of life. In spring, the coppiced areas of hazel that have been cut to their bases and then allowed to grow again are a haven for primroses and violets. Meanwhile, the lighter glades have a sprinkling of bluebells and wood anemone.

Spotter sheets

For little ones, a spotter sheet can help you to make the most of your time at Eaves Wood - see how many you can tick off!

Moss-covered limestone pavement leading through woodland — Mossy limestone pavements in the woods | © National Trust Images

The Queen Victoria Jubilee Monument

The Queen Victoria Jubilee monument is affectionately known to locals as The Pepperpot. It’s at the summit of Eaves Wood, overlooking the village of Silverdale. If you time your visit right, you will get to enjoy the monument while watching the sun setting over Morecambe Bay.