Waresley & Gransden Woods

Welcome to waresleywood.co.uk, a website dedicated to providing information on all topics relating to the Waresley and Gransden Woods reserves of The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

News - 11/07/2025

The current sunny weather and heatwaves is baking the ground rock hard in the newly felled areas. This has resulted in a surge in vegetation along some paths, which I am endeavouring to keep under control. As always in a natural environment, visitors should take care, wear sturdy footwear and keep to the paths.

One of the paths in the wood still remains temporarily closed until the ground dries enough for the removal of ruts along it. This closure means that the first section of the re-profiled "main ride" has become a cul de sac, without exit. The second, newly profiled ride section will remain closed for two years to allow the ground to resettle and re-generate. Please respect the Trust's wishes by not entering this area.

10/07/2025 - the clump of field scabious is now in full flower in the reserve car park, attracting a range of hoverflies, polinators and butterflies. We've seen 80 different species of flora and fauna out of a potential 115 so far, check them out on my Sightings page.

04/07/2025 - as mentioned below, the wood's small meadow was mown by tractor for the first time this year (thank you David). Before next year's cut we'll prune back some of the overhanging branches to allow more grass to be cut at the edges.

01/07/2025 - this morning was spent working with the Trust's reserves team, mowing grass and brush cutting in the wood. Every year around this time, alternate sides of the ride are mown and the adjacent ditch cleared. Luckily most of the side to be cut was in the shade, otherwise this is very hot work indeed.

01/07/2025 - as well as grass cutting the ride, the wood's glade is also partially mown. This year, for the first time, the wood's small meadow will also be mown by tractor. Which will be alot easier for the brushcutter (ie me!).