The site has long been renowned for its botanical interest and records date back to the County Flora of 1893. The woodland supports a particularly high diversity of vascular plants, including populations of the nationally rare plant Purple Gromwell (Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum) and the scarce Angular Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum).[1]
A view over part of King's wood, with Wrington in the distance.
Large areas of King's Wood were replanted during the 1960s with beech Fagus sylvatica and a variety of conifer species including Douglas fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii), Lawson's cypress(Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and Norway spruce(Picea abies) . These crop trees have, however, largely been unsuccessful and the replanted areas are now being overtaken by hardwoods.[1]
King's Wood supports nationally important populations of the rare and endangered greater horseshoe bat(Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and dormice(Muscardinus avellanarius), and a nationally scarce Chrysomelid beetle (Clytra quadripunctata).[1]
