Go exploring
Primordial landscapes, tangled branches, breathtaking wildlife and miles of woodland trails. From the countryside to cities, we care for thousands of woods throughout the UK, all free to visit.
Find a wood near youWalking
Taking a walk in the woods is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature. From woodland glades to unexplored pathways, where will your visit to the woods take you?
Love your woods
Check out our top tips to help you enjoy your visit while protecting precious wildlife.
Top 10 tips for walking in woods
- Take a look at the weather before you visit in case you need to pack waterproofs, boots or wellies. Even in summer, woods can be damp and muddy.
- Check access restrictions, rights of way and car parking before you leave. You can freely explore all our woods, but many others are privately owned.
- Take a map, especially if you’re planning a long walk. Don't rely on 4G as many woods are out of signal range. Stick to paths to minimise disturbance to wildlife.
- If you’re bringing your dog, read our dog walkers’ code of conduct so you know what’s expected in our woods.
- Help prevent the spread of tree pests and diseases by cleaning your footwear before and after you visit a wood.
- Pack a first aid kit, including plasters, sun cream and antihistamines.
- Take drinking water and snacks or picnics, but please don’t leave litter behind.
- Be extra aware in areas with livestock and look out for horses on bridleways. Ensure you close gates behind you.
- When walking along roads, keep to the road's right-hand side so you can see oncoming traffic. Stay in single file if you're in group.
- If you’re walking in the woods at night, take a torch with you.
Need some inspiration?
Check out our guides to some of our favourite woodland walks.
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Blog
The best woodland walks in London
You don't have to leave London to enjoy the sights and sounds of a woodland walk. Here is our pick of the best places for a stroll in the city.
James Martin • 28 Jan 2019
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Blog
Eight best wildlife walks in Scotland
From red squirrel woodland to big skies dominated by golden eagles, Scotland's Caledonian adventures offer truly iconic wildlife and spectacular scenery. Here are eight of the best wildlife walks in the country.
Charlotte Varela • 04 Dec 2018
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Blog
11 waterfall walks to visit in our woods
From gently tumbling streams to powerful cascades, waterfalls are mesmerising. Check out the best waterfall walks in and around our woods across the UK.
Charlie Mellor • 15 Jan 2021
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Visiting woods
Best bluebell woods
See a stunning sea of blue this spring. Discover our best woods for bluebells.
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Blog
Top 10 coastal woods in the UK
Bats, rare butterflies, dinosaur footprints and even the roar of a whirlpool – these coastal woods are just waiting for you to visit.
Sharon Wennekers • 18 Jun 2019
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Blog
Top 10 woods to enjoy autumn colour
Take a look at our top 10 woods to visit for autumn colour, with sites in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Hannah Vickers • 10 Nov 2021
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Blog
Best woods near 10 UK cities
Here's our pick of great woods in and around the UK's busiest cities for sanctuary seekers, wildlife watchers, fitness fans and history hounds alike.
Charlie Mellor • 04 Nov 2021
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Blog
Our top six woods to hear nightingales
The famous song of the nightingale is one of the wonders of the natural world, but to have a chance of hearing it you'll need to know where to listen. Here we share top tips for tracking down a serenade, plus some of our woods to try for a lucky encounter.
Amy Lewis • 01 Apr 2022
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Blog
Where to see wild daffodils in the UK
Did you know that the UK is home to a native, wild species of daffodil? Forget the gaudy imposters lining roadsides and parks this spring - head to the woods for an encounter with the real thing.
Amy Lewis • 22 Feb 2021
Discover more about our woods and walks
About us
We care
We care for over 1,000 woods, keeping them open for you to explore and enjoy. We want to inspire a love for woods and trees for generations to come.
Blog
Why walking in woods is good for you
Charlie Mellor • 05 Aug 2020
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.