East Cornwall
Hunt Monitors
Report a hunt sighting
Near Bodmin · Ancient woodland

Cabilla & Redrice Woods

Three miles east of Bodmin, Cabilla and Redrice combine ancient woodland, a river valley and old mine workings. The lower track gives an introduction to the woods; the paths climbing the hillside reveal clearings, deadwood and the remains of the area’s industrial past.

Sunlight falling across a woodland path at Cabilla
Sunlight falling across a woodland path at Cabilla.

Following the woodland paths

The route begins near the reserve entrance and follows the marked paths through the valley. The character changes as you climb: the more enclosed lower woodland gives way to slopes and openings where sunlight reaches the ground. Allow time for the steeper sections rather than treating this as a flat riverside stroll.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust describes veteran and ancient oaks, with spring bluebells and butterflies along sunny woodland rides. The photographs on this page show a summer visit, when the canopy was in leaf and the path moved between deep shade and bright patches of sun.

Bracket fungi growing around the base of a tree at Cabilla.
Bracket fungi growing around the base of a tree at Cabilla.

Deadwood is part of the woodland

The standing remains of trees are some of the most interesting features here. Holes, loose bark and decaying wood provide places for insects and fungi, and feeding opportunities for birds. You can see much of this from the path without pulling bark away or moving anything.

Look closely at the woodland floor as well as the trees: beetles move among the leaf litter, while fungi grow on fallen timber and around tree bases. Leave logs and bark in place so these small habitats stay intact.

A beetle photographed on the woodland floor; species not confirmed.
A beetle photographed on the woodland floor; species not confirmed.
Standing deadwood retained within the woodland.
Standing deadwood retained within the woodland.

Mining remains and wildlife

The old mine entrance and masonry are reminders that this woodland has a history of human use. Vegetation now grows around and over the structures. Observe the remains from the marked paths: shafts, openings and unstable walls are not places to explore.

Bats are among the animals recorded in these woods. Keeping away from old openings also avoids disturbing any animals using them as shelter.

An old mine entrance surrounded by woodland vegetation. Stay outside old workings.
An old mine entrance surrounded by woodland vegetation. Stay outside old workings.

Plan your visit

There is parking beside the reserve entrance. Routes include a public footpath, waymarked permissive path and a circular path around Redrice Wood. Expect steep sections and slippery ground when wet. Cornwall Wildlife Trust permits dogs on rights of way only; check its latest guidance before visiting.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve guide

Sources checked 7 October 2026. Contact details, services and legal developments can change; follow the linked organisations for current information.

← More Cornwall nature guides