Rusland Woods is made up of two woods, Bull Coppice and Resp Haw Wood, running down the eastern side of the Rusland Valley. Friends of the Lake District have owned these woods since 2017. The two woods form a sizeable block of ancient semi natural woodland, and they are a significant part of the character of the valley. The woods are a delightful mix of oak, birch, ash, small leaved lime, holly and other native species. A survey measuring the girth of tree trunks in 2023 revealed some of the coppiced holly trees here are over 1000 years old. The ground flora includes bluebells, dog’s mercury, primroses and wood sorrel.
The woods include the presence of nationally important natural heritage features, geological and geomorphological features, wildlife and habitats. They are designated as being of outstanding scenic, historic and scientific interest and enjoy “open access”. The entrance to the woods is a short walk away from the road so they feel very natural, undisturbed and secluded.