Path in Oxhey Woods

Image: © Marathon Taken: 30 Jan 2019

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. Prestwick Road and Oxhey Drive divide the woods into three separate areas. The woods are an important Wildlife Site, notable for the rare 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 covered by woodland for at least four hundred years, and possibly up to ten thousand years. Wild Service Tree is one of the indicators of ancient woodland. Features such as sunken pathways, earth banks and ditches can also be seen. In the past these earth works often marked boundaries between different land uses and ownership. The London LOOP passes through Oxhey Woods and the woods are an important resource for the residents of the South Oxhey Estate. This is just north of Oxhey Drive where the path goes to Gosforth Lane. Coppiced trees can be seen alongside the path.

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