Astonbury Wood

An ancient woodland with sweeping Bluebell carpets, choirs of songbirds, small streams and ponds. Astonbury Wood is one of the richest habitats in Hertfordshire and home to rare, threatened and treasured wildlife.

Location

Astonbury Wood,
Aston,
Nr Stevenage,
Hertfordshire,
SG14 3RY

OS Map Reference

TL276212

Know before you go

Size

54 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

There is no public parking at Astonbury Wood Nature Reserve and it is not permitted for the public or site visitors to park anywhere along Aston Bury Lane (private driveway to Astonbury Manor).

Walking trails

There are walking routes throughout the wood - please stick to the established paths to help protect the local ground flora.

The site has good links to the local public footpath network.

Access

Generally flat terrain and easy walking routes. Paths can be narrow in places and muddy during wetter seasons.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July, September to November

About the reserve

Astonbury Wood is an ancient woodland, which means it dates back to at least AD1600. Once widespread throughout the country, ancient woodland is now rare and irreplaceable. With this length of time it has developed a very special flora and fauna and is designated as a Local Wildlife Site in recognition of this. The Wood is predominantly Oak Hornbeam coppice with a carpet of Bluebells in the spring. The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife including butterflies, mammals, amphibians and woodland birds. Astonbury Wood is recognised nationally for fungi with 750 species.

Seasonal Highlights

Winter: Nuthatch, Treecreeper

Spring: Bluebells, Wood Anemone, Primrose, Dog’s Mercury, Chiffchaff

Summer: Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Small Teasel, Bugle

Autumn: Fungi

More information and a site map coming soon!