Launde Park Wood

Launde Park Wood forms the eastern half of Launde Woods, and has been carefully restored to a semi natural ancient woodland state. Parts of the wood were once a Western Red Cedar plantation, an invasive species which has now mostly been removed. The wood is notable for its stunning spring wildflower array, with a symphony of birdsong bringing a sense of majesty as you walk amongst the trees.

Location

Launde Park Wood, Launde Rd, Leicester

*Click on the map below to get directions*

LE7 9XB

OS Map Reference

SK 800033

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Know before you go

Size

57 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

Parking is permitted in the gateway entrance to Launde Park Wood. Where possible, please park off the track on either side of the gateway entrance to avoid blocking the gateway. what3words: ///defrost.spark.helpers

Access

The reserves are situated between Launde and Loddington, in east Leicestershire. On the road between Tilton on the Hill and Oakham, take any of several roads signposted to Launde. Continue through Launde park with the Abbey on your left, to the top of the hill and pass over the cattle grid.

Continue for approximately 300m to a crossroads with two tracks. The bridle way to the left leads to Launde Park Wood. It is approximately 500m along the bridleway to the entrance of the wood.

Stout outdoor footwear or wellies are always recommended.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

With the exception of assistance dogs only.

When to visit

Opening times

Always open

Best time to visit

Spring

About the reserve

In the spring, the forest floor is covered with fabulous displays of native wildflowers: carpets of Bluebells, Ramsons, Sweet Woodruff and Primrose. Look for Yellow Archangel, Wood Sorrel, and Wood Forget-me-not. Towards the end of the summer the rare Fragrant Agrimony grows beside the main ride.

Alongside the rides, you can occasionally spot wildlife highways, where mammals such as Badgers or Foxes make their way through the undergrowth, searching for food, or for shelter from the elements. Try looking for tracks in the pathways and guess which species they belong to.

In the open spaces and at ride junctions, stop in the summertime to spot species such as Purple Emperor and Painted Lady butterflies, and look out for Beautiful Demoiselle and Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies.

Due to changes in land use over the years, and despite the naming of the sites, Launde Park Wood is now larger than Launde Big Wood by 15 hectares.