Plant and wildlife

Plant life

Over 380 species of flowering plants, 350 species of fungi and 17 species of fern have been found at Lickey Hills so far.

The tops of Bilberry, Cofton and Rednal Hills boast fine expanses of heathland. Northern Europe has lost 90% of its heathlands, making it one of the rarest habitats in the world. Unusually, this is dominated by bilberry, a plant more typical of true upland areas.

The woodlands around Lickey Warren, were planted less than 150 years ago. Birch and sweet chestnut are the predominant trees, along with some holly and birch.

A good example of ancient woodland is Pinfield Wood at the southern end of the park. Oak, hazel, rowan, and birch are common here.

In the spring, the whole area around the wood is covered by bluebells, making a stunning display. Visitors must not pick them as they are a protected species and toxic. Adding to the display of colour are white-flowered wood sorrel, wood anemone, foxgloves, speedwells, stitchworts, and buttercups.

Travelling down the slope from the visitor centre, over 70 species of tree are found in the arboretum, including pines, spruces, cypresses, redwoods, maples, birches, beeches, and oaks.

Wildlife

With so many different habitats, a wide range of wildlife thrives at the park.

Creepy-crawly life such as beetles, millipedes, centipedes, bugs, snails, and slugs can be found on many old logs. Along with flies, bees, lacewings, dragonflies, butterflies, and moths, they provide a diet for the larger residents of the Lickey Hills.

Many common species of birds are found at the hills, including the robin, chaffinch, great tit, blue tit, wood pigeon and sparrow hawk.

Regular migrants include warblers, tree pipits, and redstarts in the summer. Redwing and fieldfare visit in the winter.

Surprisingly, reptiles are also common. The damp deciduous woodlands are home to a large grass snake population.

The heathland is home to two further reptiles - the adder and the common lizard. Sightings of these are uncommon but most frequent on balmy summer days when they bask in the open rocky areas of the hills.

Many mammals live throughout the park. The most common are grey squirrels and rabbits. There are many wood mice and shrews, but they are rarely seen.

Page last updated: 20 April 2026