This coastal forest contains classic Afromontane forest trees such as yellow-woods, growing alongside milkwood and coral trees on sandy soils. It now forms part of the Woody Cape Nature Reserve, administered by Eastern Cape Nature Conservation. More than 150 species of birds have been recorded in the forest and adjoining habitats, including the beach. A bird list of 50-60 species for a day’s walk is not uncommon in this area.

Specials
Nocturnal birds such as African Wood-Owl, Spotted Eagle-Owl and Buff-spotted Flufftail are common, and in summer; African Emerald Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Klaas's Cuckoo and Diderick Cuckoo are often heard almost anywhere in the forest.

Birding

1.  Good birding around the forest station is guaranteed and the Erythrina trees need to be scanned for sunbirds, Southern Black Flycatcher and Green Wood-Hoopoe.

2. The recommended and marked trail starts near the office and is a 7-km circular route. The picnic site with water, toilets and a braai area is about 1 km along this trail. The birds of this forest are quite visible and species such as Terrestrial Brownbul, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Trumpeter Hornbill, Dark-backed Weaver, Cape Batis, Grey Cuckooshrike, Forest Canary, Lesser Honeyguide, Knysna Turaco, Chorister Robin-Chat and Brown Scrub-Robin can be seen along this trail.

3. Other trails and forest patches along the dirt road. Confirmation as to accessibility will need to be obtained at the station, however it is worth driving and stopping along the main dirt road through the forest to look for the forest specials, Martial Eagle, Narina Trogon and the resident African Crowned Eagle.

4. A 2-day hiking trail traverses the forest and adjacent Alexandria dune fields where Damara Tern and 'Siberian' Peregrine Falcon spend part of summer.

5. In summer Damara Tern and migrant Peregrine Falcon may be seen in the dune areas.

General
Alexandria, the nearest town, is 100 km east of Port Elizabeth and 50 km west of Port Alfred on the main road between Port Elizabeth and east London. The turn-off to the reserve is on the main road just outside the town (Port Elizabeth side) and is well signposted (Alexandria Hiking Trail/State forest). The office and forest walks are on the right hand side of the dirt road 9-km from the turn-off. The Alexandria Reserve Manager can be contacted for permits (nominal fee) to walk in the reserve, a birdlist and information on hikes and other trails. The dirt road through the forest is public. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 13h00, and arrangements should be made in advance for weekend walks. Contact: Reserve Manager, +27 46 653 0601 or Eastern Cape Parks: Tel:+27 43 742 4450, Fax: +27 43 742 5566, Website:  www.ecparks.co.za

Adrian Craig 2001.
Justin Watson 1998