Kilminorth Woods

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Kilminorth Wood, near Looe, is an ancient woodland and Local Nature Reserve owned by Cornwall Council.

A semi-natural woodland over 400 years old on the western bank of the West Looe River. The woodland consists of beech, birch, sessile oak, sweet chestnut, wild cherries and sycamore. Many parts of the wood were coppiced over a long period so there are trees of a variety of ages which all goes to creating a wide range of habitats for many different species. Together with Trenant Woods on the eastern bank of the river, the woods are one of the largest areas of oak woodlands in Cornwall.

The Nature Reserve contains many lichens, mosses and ferns. There are excellent opportunities for birdwatching with many species of birds in the woods and on the estuary including kingfishers, curlew, herons, Canada geese, and sparrowhawks, peregrines, woodpeckers and little egret. Roe deer live here but they are very shy. The flora includes bluebells, dog violets, primroses wood anemones, wood sorrel. A linear monument known as the Giants Hedge can be traced between Looe and Lerryn some 15 miles to the west.

The woods can be accessed from a number of points including from the main car park in West Looe and from Watergate. There are many paths leading through the woods and a bridleway. One path near the water's edge is reasonably level and suitable for accompanied wheelchair users.

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