Shenley Wood
Take a wander though this ancient woodland and explore the historic Shenley Toot.
Facilities
About Shenley Wood
Enjoy an enchanting walk through Shenley Wood, an ancient woodland dating back to the Domesday survey of 1086, revealing traces of Saxon and Roman settlements. Teeming with several Ash and Oak trees, with lively hazel bushes below, this woodland is rich in history and natural beauty. Perfect for a day out, Shenley Wood is an excellent destination for a picnic in the woods, with a wide range of seats, tables and benches. In the Summer months, the meadow near the west-side car park transforms into a blossoming haven, offering a tranquil spot to relax amongst the wildflowers.
South and East of Shenley Wood, The Parks Trust also maintains several ponds created in the residential area to collect rainwater and provide essential habitats for wildlife. These additions not only enrich the ancient woodland's ecosystem but also connect it to neighbouring green spaces.
Nearby, visitors can find Shenley Toot, a captivating pasture area steeped in history as a scheduled ancient monument. Once a moated motte and bailey castle dating back to 1239 AD, the earthworks resemble the remains of 18th-century manor gardens.
Wildlife
The woods are a fantastic place to see wildlife. In spring and early summer, there is an array of colours from bluebells, celandines and wood anemones flowers. Autumn paints the woodland floor with the magical arrival of Fungi while elusive creatures like foxes, muntjac deer and badgers appear across the landscape. Keep an eye out above for the diverse birdlife that can be spotted along the woodland canopy. The ponds which have been created have also been established to provide a protected habitat for Great Crested Newts.
As a reminder, we ask all dog walkers to please keep their pets on leads during bird nesting season (March to September).
Shenley Toot
Take in the natural beauty that can be found at Shenley Toot just north of Shenley Wood, where history, wildlife and livestock intertwine. Explore the medieval remnants of Shenley Church End, including the Toot mound and moat. Witness the vibrant wildflowers that blossom in Spring and embrace the peacefulness of the lime tree avenue. As livestock grazes the grassland, it nurtures the development of various wildflower species and provides a spectacular habitat for pollinators, insects and birds.
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