The Thornham Estate has a variety of habitats including woodland, parkland and natural grazing meadows.

The canopy of the woodland is dominated by Oak and Ash, but in Victorian times more exotic species such as Sweet Chestnut, Lime and Turkey Oak were planted.

There is something of interest and enjoyment for both the amateur and professional naturalists throughout the year. Greater Spotted, Lesser Spotted and Green Woodpeckers can be seen regularly as well as Nuthatches, Kestrels, Little, Tawny and Barn Owls. A variety of migrant birds visit during the summer months. There are Great Crested Newts in the ponds and Roe and Muntjac deer in the woods; also there are butterflies such as Peacocks, Purple and White Letter Hairstreaks and red Admirals plus much more.

The meadows along the River Dove have been untouched by fertilisers or sprays and are at their most colourful in spring.

Thornham Magna Churchyard is managed as a conservation area for wildlife and is home to slow worms also cowslips, ox-eye daisies and primroses grow in profusion.