The Cedar that is the predominant species here plays its part in this mixed habitat. These trees, originally from west coast USA were introduced into this country around the middle of the nineteenth century to populate the country estates of the wealthy. It is not just their ornamental value that made them remarkable but the durable timber is widely used in construction and contains a natural fungicide. The tree was highly prized in Native American culture for its versatility and as a symbol of strength and resilience.

The earliest signs of spring are the hazel catkins adorning the otherwise bare branches in January and February; not to be confused with the later catkins of silver birch, alder and willow. They are the male flowers and grow next to the tiny pink buds of the female flowers, providing early pollen for bees before the hazel comes into full leaf and also an important habitat for moth larvae. Later in the year the hazel nuts are a rich source of autumn protein for woodland mammals laying down reserves for winter.

Catkins are also known as 'lamb's tails' and comes from the Dutch word ‘katteken’, meaning kitten.

Bearidge Wood is at the end of the access track that serves other privately owned neighbouring woodland. The sense of escape into nature begins immediately from leaving the public highway and driving through the surrounding woodland. A public footpath runs along the northern edge of the wood.

Such is the significance of this natural environment that it carries a special local authority Tree Preservation Order designation, aimed at ensuring its continued existence as an important area of woodland. This will both encourage and assist with good woodland management practice as the local Forestry Commission representative and Local Authority Tree Officer are on hand to advise on how best to achieve this.

Access to the wood is via a good woodland track that in turn leads to a quiet country lane near the small village of Little London. This unspoilt area of the country has for centuries been home to the wealth of the landed classes, conveniently located within reach of the Capital and the important cultural and religious centres of Winchester and Salisbury. The woodland here is documented to have existed in seventeenth century parish records that refer to 'Bearidge Copyce' as the subject of a land dispute between local dignitaries. Contemporary visitors are able to enjoy the stunning natural landscape but within easy reach of the transport infrastructure and facilities of Andover only a few miles distant.