Oxhey Woods

About Oxhey Woods

Oxhey Woods is the largest Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Three Rivers District.

The character of the woods is varied, created by centuries of management for a variety of woodland products. Today Prestwick Road and Oxhey Drive divide the woods into three separate areas.

The woods are an important Wildlife Site, notable for the unusual Wild Service Tree. Sometimes known as the ‘Chequers Tree’ because of its distinctively patterned bark, the leaves and berries form the LNR logo.

Some parts of the LNR are ancient woodland, having been continuously wooded for at least four hundred years, and possibly up to ten thousand years.

Features such as sunken pathways, earth banks and ditches can be seen. In the past these earth works often marked boundaries between different land uses and ownership.

Your visit

The local nature reserve has an easy access circular walk of one km, which starts and ends at the car park. The trail has a firm surface and is suitable for young families with buggies, wheelchair users and those less mobile.

Natural sculptures found along the way depict the wildlife and history of the woods, and benches provide opportunities to stop and take in the peace and tranquillity.

For more energetic users the woods contain several longer trails, numerous footpaths to explore and an orienteering course.

There is a car park in the southern part of the woods at the junction of Prestwick Road and Oxhey Drive.

Nearest postcode: HA5 3YA

View the Oxhey Woods Greenspace Action Plan