About the reserve

The name "Leeping" is said to mean "hedges that deer can leap over" while "stock" refers to land with tree stumps left standing on it. The name of the reserve therefore indicates that it was once cleared woodland converted into hedge fields, while the lord of the manor retained his right to hunt deer.

Today, hedges made of laid beech growing on low stone walls still divide the area into twelve compartments. These are now full of forest trees of mainly birch and ash, as well as an unusual and rich variety of both herbaceous plants and fungi. Leeping Stocks wood is part of The Doward Living Landscape - click here for more information..