Roydon Woods Nature Reserve

No parking on site.

An impressive patchwork of wildlife rich habitats

Location

1 mile south east of Brockenhurst

Brockenhurst

Hampshire

OS Map Reference

SU 315 009

Know before you go

Size

386 hectares

Entry fee

Donations welcome

Parking information

No parking on site

Grazing animals

Cattle and ponies

Walking trails

Paths are rough, unsurfaced and uneven with steep and wet sections. Visitors must stay on bridleways and permissive paths.

Access

A wide variety of underfoot conditions may be encountered. Contact the Trust for disabled access information.

Enter the reserve via:
. The bridleway beside the Filly Inn on the A337
. Tile Barn Lane, Sandy Down Lane
. The bridleway behind Boldre church
. Roundhill campsite

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Visit in spring and experience the clean crisp green of the beech trees contrasting with the bright carpet of bluebells. Visit in autumn to hear the sika stag whistling - an eerie sound.

About the reserve

Roydon Woods nature reserve is an impressive patchwork of wildlife rich habitats, including grassy meadows and ancient copses of conifer and hazel. This nature reserve is beautiful all year round – whenever you choose to visit, you’re sure to be absorbed by the magic of this enchanting ancient woodland.

A great many birds and mammals call Roydon Woods home, including great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches, skylarks, badgers, voles, stoats and a great many more.

Amongst the dense blocks of woodland are rich floral carpets, which attract a host of beautiful moths and butterflies, including small pearl bordered fritillary. These woods are perfect for birders and wildlife enthusiasts, with a tranquillity and magnificence that will enchant even the most hardened city dweller.

Roydon Woods was gifted to the Trust by Peter Barker-Mill.

Download the trail guide