Hayley Wood - Robert Enderby
Hayley Wood
Hayley Wood
Trees have been removed from the coppice plots in Hayley Wood this winter in order to let more light into the woodland floor. For more information click here
Location
Little Gransden
OS Map Reference
TL 294 537
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
Park opposite the water tower and walk 300m up Hayley Lane to reserveGrazing animals
NoAccess
Good level paths and wide main rides, can be very muddy in winter.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
SpringAbout the reserve
This ancient woodland is a treasure trove of spring flowers and archaeological clues to times past. It is still managed in a traditional way to this day. As well as the usual flowers, such as bluebell, wood anemone and dog's mercury, Hayley Wood is host to hundreds of species of fungi and thousands of insects and birds.
As you walk up Hayley Lane to approach the wood, the hedge on your left is at least 800 years old and in the winter groans with berries that sustain fieldfares and redwings. In the wood you will find a fence erected by the Wildlife Trust to protect most of the wood from the ravages of deer browsing. Although not in keeping with the landscape, it has reversed 20 years of decline in the oxlip population for which the wood is so famous.
This site is part of the West Cambridgeshire Hundreds Living Landscape Scheme.
A leaflet including a map of the Nature Reserve is available to download.
Scroll down to see the reserve boundary.