Reffley Wood
King's Lynn
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
52.35 ha (129.36 acres)
Grid reference:
TF655218
Map reference:
Explorer 250
OS Landranger 132
The intriguing semi-natural ancient woodland at Reffley Wood has a mix of broadleaved trees with plantings of Scot’s pine and other conifers.
The wood has wildlife in abundance throughout the year, and during the summer months you may spot one of the many migratory bird species that make their temporary home here, such as the willow warbler and chiffchaff.
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Autumn colour
- Waymarked walk
How to get to Reffley Wood
Reffley Wood is a 52.4-hectare (129.4-acre) site located a few miles east of the centre of King’s Lynn, directly adjoining the town’s urban fringe and accessed off the A148 (Grimston Road) to the north and the A149 (Queen Elizabeth Way) to the east.
The main entrance to the wood is off Sandy Lane via Grimston Road (A148) to the north, or Queen Elizabeth Way to the east.
The nearest train station is King’s Lynn, around 5.6km (3.5 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
There are bus stops with services from King’s Lynn on Langley Road. The closest stop is Euston Way.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Facilities and access
The wood has four pedestrian entrances, which are linked to an adjoining housing estate.
The main entrance is at Sandy Lane, off Grimston Road, from where you can follow any one of a network of pathways through the wood. There is a 1km (just over 0.5 miles) circular walk, as well as a longer route of about 3km (almost 2 miles), but the number of different paths means you can make your own way through the trees on the woodland trails.
The site is generally flat, and many of the paths are dry and accessible all year round, though some can be rather wet and muddy during the colder months. Care should be taken if you’re exploring the woods during the winter – even on the boardwalk-covered sections.
There is a small car park at the entrance to the wood with space for two cars.
The closest public toilets are in King’s Lynn. For more information visit West Norfolk Council.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
Reffley Wood is teeming with wildlife. Summertime brings out moth and butterfly including the comma and other invertebrates such as the tree bumblebee.
Reptiles include adder, which can occasionally be found in the undergrowth or sunning themselves by the base of a tree, and the smooth newt, which inhabits the wetter areas of the wood but can be difficult to spot.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
At around 400 years old, Reffley Wood is an area of semi-natural ancient woodland that combines replanted broadleaved trees such as ash, field maple, oak and birch alongside conifers, including Douglas fir, Scots pine and Corsican pine, planted during the 1950s and 60s.
Look out for:
Habitats
The semi-natural ancient woodland at Reffley Wood has an eclectic mix of habitats, from broadleaved trees to conifer plantings.
Explore:
We acquired Reffley Wood in 1997 with the help of donations from local residents and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
About Reffley Wood
History
The site was once owned by the Bishop of Norwich under the parish of Gaywood, but this was transferred to Henry VIII during the reformation in the 16th century. The site was used as a deer park and bought by the Bagge family. Over time, the deer park fell out of use and was converted to enclosed pasture. Reffley Wood then changed from pasture to woodland – look out for the pollards on the eastern boundary which hint to the wood’s ancient past.
Items such as flint flakes have been found in the area during archaeological digs, indicating that the wood was once a domestic site inhabited by the late Stone Age ’Beaker people‘ - so named by archaeologists because of the brightly coloured, geometrically-patterned earthenware drinking vessels often found in their graves.
Things to do in Reffley Wood
Walking
Enjoy a stroll along the many paths at Reffley Wood, taking in the flora and fauna around you. The site is fairly flat, making it a great place to enjoy a gentle amble.
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
Events
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Visiting woods
Things to do in the woods
Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season.
