Hardwick Wood - Robert Enderby
Hardwick Wood
Location
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
OS Map Reference
TL 356 580
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
Park in Highfields Caldecote and walk up the bridleway which is signposted at TL350582, just south of the mini round about for Strympole Way. When you get to the wood turn left to find the entrance.Grazing animals
NoAccess
Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
spring and autumnAbout the reserve
Hardwick Wood has the sinuous outline of medieval woods and is surrounded by a substantial wood bank, well preserved on the south and east sides. After ceasing in the early 20th century, coppicing was reinstated in 1979. This traditional practice lets in more light to the benefit of flowers and insects. As the coppice grows it provides safe nesting sites for woodland songbirds such as willow warbler, marsh tit and blackcap. The large amount of dead wood is a boon for the woodpeckers that can be heard drumming in spring. The Mere Way runs along the western boundary, the banks of the adjoining ditch providing a haven for cowslips and the rare crested cow-wheat, usually found on the margins of ancient woodlands and in clearings and rides. As twilight descends, the hoots of owls can be heard and bats patrol the woodland edges in their search for food.
This site is part of the West Cambridgeshire Hundreds Living Landscape Scheme. There is a work party at this reserve. See the work party page for more information.