Launde Woods

Made up of two of the most ancient woodlands in Leicestershire, stepping into Launde Woods is like stepping back in time. Oak, ash, hazel and field maple dominate Big Wood to the west, whilst Park Wood to the east was once a Forestry Commission plantation. The atmosphere is awe-inspiring, with a feeling of peace and grandeur.

Location

Launde, Leicester
LE7 9XB

OS Map Reference

SK 788035 - Launde Big Wood SK 800033 - Launde Park Wood (Sheet 141)
A static map of Launde Woods

Know before you go

Size
99 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
P

Parking information

Please park along the roadside, away from the gate entrance. Do not block the gates and leave plenty of space for large farm vehicles to access the gate and track.

Access

The reserves are situated between Launde and Loddington, in east Leicestershire. From the Tilton to Oakham road take any of several roads signposted to Launde. Continue through Launde park with the Abbey on your left, stopping at the top of the hill where a public footpath is signposted to the right and a bridle way to the left.

Launde Big Wood can be seen in the distance to the west, while the Park Wood to the the east, is partially hidden by a tall hedge. Walk along the public rights of way and enter the woods through the gates at their entrance.

Waterproof footwear is always recommended.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Always open

Best time to visit

Spring

About the reserve

The parish of Launde lies in one of the most attractive and unspoilt areas of countryside in Eastern England. The landscape is made up of rolling hills, pasture, small streams, woods and numerous fox coverts, straight out of a children’s fairy-tale. Rich in history and wildlife, Launde contains an old priory set in parkland, a possible Norman motte and bailey castle site, medieval fish ponds (now re-flooded), the earthworks of a medieval deer park, two ancient woodlands and two Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

A trip to Launde Woods is sure never to disappoint. Whether you’re admiring wildflowers or listening for nightingales, enjoying butterflies in the summer, indulging in a spot of ‘Shinrin-yoku’ (forest bathing) or looking for signs of badgers, the ancient atmosphere of this magical forest will soothe you and give you a truly wild experience. Give one of the oaks a hug -can you fit your arms around it?

The Big Wood is one of the largest and most important semi-natural ancient woodlands in the East Midlands. It is situated on a hill top, with superb vistas of the surrounding countryside – a walk to admire the view is a must. Beneath the trees, you’ll see amazing displays of wildflowers in the spring. Wood anemone, bluebell, wood-forget-me-not, sweet woodruff, early-purple orchid and primrose are just a few of the more noticable species, while rarer ones include bird’s-nest and greater butterfly-orchids, nettle-leaved bellflower, herb paris and toothwart.

Badgers have excavated at least two setts, so keep an eye out for their tracks, paw prints and latrines. Other mammals include stoat and weasel. Nuthatch can be heard singing in the spring, and purple and white-letter hairstreak butterflies will make the most of the dappled glades.

Park Wood has largely been planted with conifers in the past, however where conifers have been removed you can now enjoy plants like ramsons, sweet woodruff and primrose. Towards the end of the summer the rare fragrant agrimony grows beside the main ride.

The Park Wood is now larger than the Big Wood, although it’s wildlife has suffered greatly in the last 50 years. Many of the rides have become narrow and overgrown, and the coppice has been neglected. A major project to restore the ancient woodland has been undertaken which, it is hoped, will encourage other woodland owners to do the same. We have started to reintroduce traditional management to these woods, to benefit wildlife.

Both the Park Wood and the Big Wood are very old, with massive boundary earthworks, huge coppice stools clearly centuries old, and many plants known to be confined, or nearly so, to ancient woodlands sites. Visitors are able to participate in practical work, guided walks and educational visits, learning about the history and wildlife of Launde.

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust does not control the shooting rights to these reserves.