Crawford's Wood
Aspull
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
19.96 ha (49.32 acres)
Grid reference:
SD605081
Map reference:
Explorer 276
OS Landranger 109
Located near the village of Aspull near Wigan, this attractive 20-hectare woodland is a peaceful escape from urban life for dog walkers and ramblers alike.
Crawford's Wood is is made up of a mixture of woodland and open, unsurfaced grassy paths, and links up with adjacent mature woodland, the nearby Haigh Hall Country Park, Leeds Liverpool Canal, and Lady Mabel's Wood.
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Waymarked walk
- Grassland
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to Crawford's Wood
Crawford’s Wood is located in the village of Aspull, which is approximately one mile east of Wigan, in one of the core forest areas of the Red Rose Community Forest.
From Wigan, follow Wallgate to Queen Street and then take the A49 to Greenough Street. Use the right two lanes to turn right
onto Greenough Street. After just under two miles, turn left onto Scholes/B5238. Continue on Holly Road Drive to Manor Grove. The wood can be accessed via Manor Grove.
The nearest train stations are in Blackrod if you're travelling from the north and Wigan if you're coming up from the south.
Visit National Rail for more information.
There are bus stops on St. John's Road and Wigan Road, both of which are a short walk from Crawford's Wood.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Walk southeast on St. John's Road and turn left onto St. David's Crescent. Turn right onto Holly Road and then right again onto Manor Grove. Crawford's Wood is on the right.
Alternatively, walk along Higher Lane off Wigan Road, and take the footpath to the right just after you cross the bridge.
Facilities and access
Crawford's Wood has a public footpath and permissive bridleway which run parallel to the disused railway embankment. There is access for those that are less able at either end of the public footpath.
Ensure you wear appropriate footwear as the majority of the footpaths are not surfaced and can become slippery when wet.
Please note car parking is unavailable at the wood.
The nearest public toilets are in Wigan.
Wildlife and habitats
The wood features newly established woodland, bridleways, paths and open grassland.
Animals
Visit the open meadow area to the south of Crawford’s Wood during the winter and keep an eye out for the many wading birds which are known to frequent here.
Trees, plants and fungi
Look out for oak, ash, wild cherry, alder, silver birch and rowan. There are also many woody shrubs in Crawford’s Wood, including hazel, guelder rose, dog rose and hawthorn.
If you find yourself in the southern half of the site, be careful not to get wet feet! There are wet flushes in this grassland area that support rushes and mixed meadow grasses dominated by red fescue.
Look out for:
Habitats
Explore the 24,000 broadleaf trees that were planted in 1997, and the area that is managed as wet grassland for the benefit of winter wading birds. You may also come across two ponds during your stroll.
Explore:
About Crawford's Wood
Crawford's Wood has a history based in mining, with records suggesting that a capped mineshaft exists to the west of the wood, along with further capped shafts just outside of Crawford’s Wood.
Things to do in Crawford's Wood
Popular with ramblers and dog walkers thanks to its urban fringe location and links to public rights of way, Crawford’s Wood is a wonderful place to enjoy a walk. It’s also a hit with horse-riders too, thanks to its many bridleways.
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.
Visiting woods
Walking
Taking a walk in the woods is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature.
Dedicate at this wood
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedication
