Oakley Wood maintenance work
We are thinning out parts of the woodland to provide light for new trees to grow. This work helps protect the woodland for future generations, and provides valuable wildlife habitat.
Some paths may need to be closed off temporarily; alternative routes will be provided where possible. Please follow any safety advice given.
- Maintenance work update from the Friends of Oakley Wood
- Frequently asked questions from the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Oakley Wood
A 116 acre (47ha) plantation woodland near Bishop’s Tachbrook. Great for peaceful walks and getting out into nature.
- Opening hours: All day, every day
- Postcode: CV33 9QP
- Parking: Free parking at the crematorium car park accessed via the B4087
Oakley Wood has been continuously wooded since the 1600s but is now planted with conifers and other non-native trees. The site is being gradually restored to native woodland.
In 2017, Oakley Wood was awarded a Green Flag Award for the first time.
What to see and do
Oakley Wood is one of the area's largest accessible woodlands and a great place to find some peace and quiet. It's large enough to get away from the crowds, even on a busy day.
- Walks – carpets of bluebells and other wildflowers in spring
- Trails - two marked walking trails
- Wildlife - Look out for over 200 species that live in the wood, ranging from minibeasts and birds to deer
- Trees – ancient oaks at the south end of the wood and evidence of historical woodland management
- See Oakley Wood Camp – a Scheduled Ancient Monument
Other facilities
- Dogs allowed but must be under control and any foul picked up
- Toilets available during crematorium opening times
Oakley Wood Camp
Within Oakley Wood there is an area of earthworks known as Oakley Wood Camp. It is not known what the area was used for or when it was constructed. Some believe it was a Bronze Age or Iron Age fort. Others have suggested that it was a medieval woodland management system. Oakley Wood Camp is a Scheduled Ancient Monument to help protect the archaeology of the site.
Management
Warwick District Council manages Oakley Wood in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Over the next few decades, the wood will be gradually restored to native woodland. Plantation conifers will be replaced with trees that are native to this part of Warwickshire, such as oak, ash and rowan. These native species are more beneficial to wildlife than the current tree species and will allow more ground flora to grow on the woodland floor.
This change will mean the gradual removal of most of the conifers that are there now, such as Scots pine and Douglas fir.
Work parties and events
Regular volunteer work parties and events take place in Oakley Wood. Typical tasks include hedgerow planting, coppicing, and management of woodland glades and rides.
Work parties are run by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Friends of Oakley Wood
Check out the Friends of Oakley Wood website for more information and upcoming activities.