Escape to Winchester's woodlands and forests

Take time to adventure out into the woodlands and forests in the Winchester area. You'll find a mixture of woodland, open space, heathland, farmland and downland - a nature lover's delight. The many forest trails are ideal for walkers and cyclists, and adventure play areas will keep the younger ones entertained for hours.

You will find ‘It’s Okay to Play’ ranger-led play activities at Micheldever Wood, West Wood, West Walk and Creech Wood. Details of events can be found on the recreation and well being pages on the Forestry Commission's website.

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Micheldever Wood

A large maturing beech wood with some areas of mature conifer. Micheldever is the nearest town or village. Look out for the many species of wildflowers and associated butterflies.

Mammals: There are Fallow deer and Roe deer in the wood. You may also see Hares among the plantation trees.

Birds: Listen out for the call of buzzards overhead as well as many of the species of common woodland birds.

Habitats: Wildflowers are plentiful in the open grass areas, look for the pretty patches of crown vetch.

Facilities:

• Natural play areas 
• Woodland walks
• Car park
• Informal cycling
• Horse riding by permit

How to get there:
Micheldever is the nearest town or village. From Junction 9 on M3, travel north on A33, turn right on to Northington Lane. Car Park is half a mile down lane on left hand side. OS Grid Reference: SU530363. Click here to view map.

West Wood

West Wood is a 251 hectare freehold woodland, located just 2.5 miles to the west of Winchester. This ancient woodland is situated amongst a picturesque landscape of gently rolling arable farmland with small blocks of woodland. West Wood lies between 90 and 135 metres above sea level and is adjacent to the Crab Wood Nature Reserve, designated for its ancient woodland interest. An area of managed chalk downland, known as Farley Mount and Pitt Down, also lies directly to the south.

West Wood is largely a Beech plantation woodland and provides a habitat for a range of birds and animals like Roe deer, rabbits, stoats and buzzards. There are plenty of wild flowers to be found and the wood is alive with colour in the spring when the bluebells come out.

Facilities

• Natural play areas 
• Woodland walks
• Car park
• Horse riding by permit

How to get there:
Winchester is 2.5 miles away and the nearest village is Hursley. West Wood adjoins Hampshire County Council’s Farley Mount Country Park, just off Sarum Road. There is no public transport to the park but the nearest bus stop is in Sparsholt village, a gentle 20 minute walk away. Both sites are 4km from Winchester, so walking or cycling is possible. OS Grid Reference: SU 445 295. Click here to view map.

West Walk

At 350 hectares, West Walk is the largest remaining fragment of the former Forest of Bere. This is an ideal wood for a complete day out for all the family. Children will enjoy the adventurous playgrounds, walking and cycling in the wood. There are several picnic areas with benches, a choice of walking trails and toilets on site.

For more information visit the West Walk website.

Facilities:

• Natural play areas and low ropes play woodland
• Extensive woodland walks
• Walking to health trails
• Car park (Pay and Display)
• BBQ for hire
• Toilets
• Informal cycling
• Horse riding by permit

How to get there:
West Walk is part of the Forest of Bere. Wickham is the nearest town or village. Access is via the A32 Meon Valley road north of Wickham, or at Hundred Acres. OS Grid Reference: SU 597 122. Click here to view map.

West Walk will be hosting a day of activities from 10am until 3pm as part of Outdoor Play Week.

Creech Wood

Creech Wood makes up part of the Forest of Bere and is approximately 185 hectares in size split in two by the Bunkers Hill Road. It is predominantly coniferous woodland with a large percentage of the area at thicket stage. There are also some areas of broadleaf trees like Oak and Beech. Watch out for common wildlife including badgers, dormice, bats and butterflies - most notably the Purple Emperor.

Facilities:

• Natural play areas 
• Woodland walks
• Walking to health trails
• Car park
• Horse riding by permit

How to get there:
The nearest town or village is Denmead and the woodland is located to the south. Car parking can be found on Bunkers Hill Road. OS grid reference: SU 645109. Click here to view map. 

Whiteley Pastures

Whiteley Pastures is an ancient woodland site, which is part of the medieval Forest of Bere. Full of lush green areas, it is now a Site of
Special Scientific Interest that lies directly adjacent to Whiteley Village and Business Park.

Facilities:

• Woodland walks

How to get there:
Whiteley Pastures adjoins Hampshire County Council’s Botley Wood and is located east of Whiteley Village. Foot access can be made opposite Tesco superstore or north of the National Air Traffic Service site. OS grid reference: SU 534098. Click here to view map.