Lady's Wood

Following a site inspection on 2 February, site managers have decided to close Lady’s Wood Nature Reserve to all users from Friday 5 February.

A prolonged period of wet weather with significant rainfall amounts has led to severe waterlogging, localised pooling and extensive churning of the path network from user footfall. These conditions will not improve in the short term and if continued access allowed, there would be severe damage to the wildflower interest of this precious site. Paths that are normally a few feet wide have now already spread to several metres in places as people try to avoid the deep mud or pools of water and this has caused trampling of the emerging primrose, bluebell and Dog’s mercury stems.

It is likely that to be closed until mid-March at the earliest, but we hope to reopen in time for spring and the spectacular display of bluebells the wood is renowned for. We apologise for any inconvenience but hope that site users will appreciate these measures must be taken to preserve this nature reserve and the wildlife that it supports. 

Please read our access guidelines if you're visiting any of our reserves, and ensure you are following the Government guidelines on social distancing.

RESERVE ACCESS GUIDELINES