Wappenbury Wood

Wappenbury Wood Kate Sugden

Kate Sugden

Wappenbury Wood

The shooting rights to the wood are owned and exercised by a third party. Therefore please follow any on site signage and ensure that when visiting you do not stray from the main paths.

Wappenbury has an array of ancient woodland trees, flowers and butterflies waiting to be explored

Location

Burnthurst Lane, off the A423, 2km west of Princethorpe
What3Words: shortens.boat.sweetened
Princethorpe
Warwickshire
CV23 9QA

OS Map Reference

SP 38092 70958
A static map of Wappenbury Wood

Know before you go

Size
71 hectares
image/svg+xmlP

Parking information

Park in layby on Burnthurst Lane. Two designated disabled parking spots (marked by signage) on Nunwood Lane (bridleway) just by the farm.
image/svg+xml

Grazing animals

No
image/svg+xml

Walking trails

Excellent wheelchair and buggy access; access for all paths, some paths get very wet and muddy. 

image/svg+xml

Access

Paths around the reserve are easily accessible to all. Some paths can become wet and muddy in poor conditions.

Dogs

image/svg+xmlNo dogs permitted
image/svg+xmli

Facilities

Accessible trails

When to visit

Opening times

Open every day.

Best time to visit

Jan - Dec

About the reserve

This reserve is a large semi-natural ancient woodland. It is rich in plants, butterflies and birds. 

History of the woodland

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, records show that Richard of Wappenbury was given modest rights over the woods. By the end of the 15th Century, the wood was known by its present name and provided a source of fuel, building materials and hunting opportunities for the local community.   Medieval ridge and furrow plough markings found to the north of the woods, ancient bank boundaries, and the age-old pathway known as Nunwood Lane all provide further evidence of the woods’ age. Nearly clear-felled twice in the 1940s and 1950s, the wood was left to regenerate naturally, helping to increase diversity and contributing to its ecological excellence today.

What's it like to visit? 

With a network of grassy rides and glades, these beautiful woods offer tranquil walks through a wildlife treasure trove.  On a sunny day you may spot butterflies like white admiral and purple hairstreak. Historically, an impressive 88 species of birds have been recorded, with plentiful sightings of warblers, woodpeckers and tawny owl. 

What is there to do here?

  • Pause and listen for birdsong
  • Visit in spring for the bluebells
  • Admire the ancient trees and guess their ages
  • Walk the waymarked trail
  • Look out for butterflies like White admiral and Purple hairstreak

Love wildlife? Become a member and make a difference on your doorstep

As a member, your subscription will help look after local wildlife and our amazing nature reserves across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. You'll receive a range of benefits, including free entry to over 65 local nature reserves, with member only free car parks where available, and our Wild Warwickshire magazine three times a year.

Become a member

Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 024 7630 2 912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Location map