Belhus Woods Country Park

Description

This diverse landscape of ancient woodland, grassland and lakes is situated within Thames Chase Community Forest and includes newly planted areas of woodland owned by the Woodland Trust and Forestry Commision.

The park was originally part of the Belhus Estate, home of the Barrett and Lennard families from the 15th to the 20th Century by 'Capability Brown' and Richard Woods.

The woodlands are managed by the rangers on a traditional coppice rotation.

This provides products for thatching and hurdle making and brings extra light into sections of the woodland floor meaning that visitors in late April and early May can enjoy bluebells and other wild flowers, such as purple orchids and ragged robin, at their best. Spring is also the best time for hearing the woodland song birds and spotting the many bird species, including ducks, geese and grebes, which live around the lakes.

There are several well-marked routes to guide visitors around the site, whether you want a short stroll around the woodland or a longer walk taking in the lakes. The rangers also run a programme of guided walks together with a variety of other events or you can fish, play, picnic, ride or simply sit by the water's edge and feed the birds.