Rockingham Forest
Northamptonshire
England
Corby / Stamford is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SP 961987
Wakerley Great Wood is an historic ancient woodland. The car park is set amongst majestic larch and includes a large grassed area for games and picnicing. Barbecue points are provided. A permanent orienteering course, all-ability woodland path, and a longer waymarked trail all leave from the car park.
The woodland contains rich and diverse archaeological remains. The oldest features are two extremely rare Bronze Age cairns. The waymarked walk follows the medieval boundary of Wakerely Great Park - remnants of the 13th century deer park.
The wood is gradually being reverted to native broadleaf woodland under the 'Ancient Woodland Project'.
Leaflets are available from the Forest Office in the nearby Fineshade Wood.
Mammals: We have found polecat in Wakerley, together with the commoner fox, rabbit and grey squirrel. We are also lucky enough to have dormice living here. We have information about Fallow deer and Badger
Birds: Crossbill, siskin and redpoll are regular visitors, depending on the time of year. Buzzards nest here, and also the wonderful long-eared owl. You can hear tawny owls hooting at night, and may hear the distinctive sound of the grasshopper warbler. We have information about Red kite
Insects and reptiles: Adder, grass snake and slow worm inhabit the wood. As for butterflies, there may be the extremely rare Duke of Burgundy Fritillary. There are certainly white admiral, red admiral, small copper, speckled wood and painted ladies amongst the grassy rides. We have information about Adder
Habitats: Ancient semi-natural woodland, with larch stands, oak, ash and birch scrub woodland. There is a stand of ancient Scot's pine. There is hazel coppice understorey under the oak.
How to get there:
Wakerley Great Wood is signposted from the A43, 9 miles north-east of Corby, 6 miles south-west of Stamford.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)
Facilities:
Activities:
Other places to go in Rockingham ForestFineshade WoodFermyn WoodsSouthey WoodBedford Purlieus National Nature Reserve
Contact:
Northants Office
01780 444920
e-mail: northants@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Did you know
There is a medieval hunting lodge in Wakerley Wood, as well as other archaeological features.
What's on
What else is here
Useful sites
Find out more