Known for a wonderful walk any time of the year, the popular woodland became extremely muddy at times particularly during the winter months, a situation which has been compounded whilst essential woodland management work was being carried out.

However, two main seasons of woodland thinning (a process of clearing some conifer trees to make way for the return of native broadleaved trees) made way for a 3300-metre stone pathway to be laid during the summer months, which has created a large circuit and smaller loop around the wood.

Councillor Judith Falp, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Leisure & Environment commented:

“We are very pleased to see the completion of these new footpaths, which will greatly improve access to all visitors throughout the year, including those in wheelchairs or pushchairs and at the same time help to protect our local wildlife.”

The Director of Nature Reserves at Warwickshire Wildlife, Karl Curtis, added:

“Through the management of the woodland to help our wildlife, this has enabled us to create a benefit for the many visitors who visit Oakley Wood.  The woodland management is important to ensure our woodlands are resilient and rich in wildlife for generations to come, but we do need to bring people along on that journey and reconnect them with wildlife.  By making the site more accessible we hope that the new path will do just that.”

Elizabeth Sheehan, Chair of the Friends of Oakley Wood said:

“The Friends of Oakley Wood greatly welcome the upgrade of the paths. The material used is sympathetic to the woodland. The newly created drainage ditches will be another huge improvement to tackle the previously muddy sections, as are the heaps of brash made for the wildlife.  The wood will be more accessible and become a better amenity to reward WDC and WWT for their interest, investment, and improvements.”