Burleigh Woods

Burleigh Wood is an ancient woodland and traces it's history back to medieval times. The wood was in the northwest of Burleigh Park, a medieval deer park. It is unlikely that deer hunting took place in the wood as written records indicate that it was mostly used as a coppice woodland (hazel and oak). The woodbank along the south-western boundary is the most notable feature from this period and was used for excluding deer from the woodland. The earthen bank was also part of a larger bank and ditch system within the landscape called Earls Dyke. This was used to demarcate the territories of the Earls of Leicester and Chester, although this function may predate Norman times. Ecologically, the woodland is diverse with acidic conditions predominating in the eastern half. Here oak, silver birch and hazel make up the canopy with bracken, bramble and bluebells forming the ground flora. In contrast the canopy in the western half is more dense and contains ash. The ground flora here feels very different being more diverse. Patches of lesser celandine, wood anemone, bluebells, bramble, red campion and ramsoms can be found in this area. There are also some very old holly trees worth noting. The woodland is at it's best in the spring when the bluebell display is without doubt one of the best in the region, if not country - a real treat. We do ask that visitors only use the existing path network to prevent trampling of the bluebells and other wildflowers, and keep dogs under control. The woodland welcomes all people, offering a long walk (about 30 - 40 minutes) and a shorter one (about 20 minute). The shorter route is more suitable for those with limited mobility and there is a bench that people can use to rest/enjoy the view of the bluebells. Care must be taken on the longer walk as there are many surface roots in the path. Access to the wood is along a track leading from Nicolson Road.