Linford Wood

pic by John Dixon

Enclosed in the year 1264 by Baron Von Pippard, the original owner of the Linford Manor estate, Linford Wood is the largest and oldest of the Trust's three ancient woodlands. Despite its location close to the city centre, Linford Wood provides a tranquil haven for wildlife and people.









Facts and Figures
Location: Linford Wood falls within the grid square bordered by the H3 Monks Way, the V7 Saxon Street, H4 Dansteed Way, and H8 Marlborough Street.
Car parks: There are two car parks for the site one located off Saxon Street adjacent to a BP garage and the large communications mast, and the other located off the northern end of "Breckland" in the Linford Wood West industrial estate.



Facilities: There are no facilities within the wood but the Suffolk Punch pub is located in Heelands just across Saxon Street from the wood. Hot and cold drinks and other refreshments are available from the BP garage on the west side of the wood.
Access: Access is superb throughout the wood as nearly all paths are hard surface. The two grass rides within the wood might prove too soft for wheelchairs or buggies after periods of heavy rain.
Link to map of park


Special Features

pic by Pete Blyth

Sculptures : Look carefully as you explore the wood and you might be able to find a series of wooden sculptures peeking out of the undergrowth or looking down at you from trees. In addition to the chap with the flat cap, pictured right, look out for two different owls (in the trees), a man with a rolled beard, a gorilla, and a hawk with its wings outstretched.

pic by John Dixon

Plantlife Pics by Pete Blyth and John Briscoe
As with any ancient woodland, the flora in Linford Wood is rich and varied. This means that there is always something new to see: from the amazing bluebell displays in spring, through summer flowers to the fungal displays of autumn and winter.



BSI Pond and Meadow

pic by Pete Blyth

Local Company BSI, based in the Dencora Business Park, Linford Wood West, has generously paid for work in Linford Wood for several years running. This includes laying the hedge along the V7 side of the wood and seeding a wildflower meadow along the grassland adjoining H4.

The most recent project has been the restoration of the pond outside the south western corner of the wood, completed last winter (pictured above). In time this pond should become a valuable wildlife site, and home to threatened species of amphibian.

The Parks Trust Home Page