Launde Woodlands

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 Woods consists of two woodland areas: Launde Big Wood to the west and Launde Park Wood to the east.

Please see links to their respective pages in the Know Before You Go section below for directions and access information.

Clicking the map below shows the split in the road where you can head in the direction to either of the sites.

Know before you go

Size

99 hectares

Access

Click Here For Launde Big Wood

Click Here For Launde Park Wood

Dogs

No dogs permitted

With the exception of assistance dogs only. This is applicable to both reserves.

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 dens, 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 to the plethora of birdsong, 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.

Both the Big Wood and the Park 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 annual guided walks to learn more about the history and wildlife of Launde.