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Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve is a working wood that has been under continuous traditional management since 1252, supplying local needs for firewood and hazel products. One of Britain’s finest ancient woodlands the site is a glorious haven for wildlife. The range in soil types from acid to alkaline explains the impressive variety of plants that stood at 370 at the last count. In the middle ages the wood was in the ownership of the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds who managed the area under a coppicing with standards regime which is still in use today. Material from the wood is still used for thatching, tool handles, rustic poles, hurdle making and firewood, some of the giant ash coppice stools date back to the Middle Ages. In the visitor centre, open on Sundays and Bank Holidays, there is more of the history of the wood, its management and general information about the wildlife that can be seen. At the start at the car park and visitor centre there are information boards and maps showing the routes of three circular walks, all colour coded to match the waymark posts along the way. Route A is red and a short walk, Route B is yellow and a medium walk and route C, the blue route and the one described here, is the longest walk taking in most of the wood. The waymark posts are all numbered and refer to the points of interest described on a leaflet available at the start. The walks may get quite muddy and sticky during wet weather when waterproof footwear would be advisable. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead at all times in order to protect the wildlife. Several rustic seats will be found around the woodland paths together with interesting structures and sculptures made from the natural materials. From the car park the first point of interest is the craft area and visitor centre (1) where coppice training courses are run. Continue straight down the main access track past point (2) to reach a main junction of paths. Turn left through the wood storage area (3) following the path as it meanders through the trees and passing waymarks (4) and (5). Turn right at the end near a house, past point (6) marking an area of coppice and on to reach point (7) where there are good views of the woodland rides. Turn left to point (9) at the corner and (10) marking an unusual oak tree with a spiral groove caused by honeysuckle growing around the trunk. At point (11) the medieval perimeter ditch and bank can be seen, there would also have been a fence on top of the bank to prevent animals straying into the wood. Continue on to the corner at (12) where there is an information board, following the path round to the right to point (13) and then taking the path to the left to the large crab apple tree at point (17). At the next junction of paths bear off left following the blue C route to reach point (18) at the Fishpond. Although now silted up there is a bird hide in the trees overlooking the pond area. At this point your walk can be extended to take in Monk's Park Wood, otherwise turn right to continue along route C. At the next junction bear right, another point where access can be gained to Monk's Park Wood by turning left if required. At the crossing of paths at waymark (19) you will find the Butterfly Glade where there is an information board about the butterflies that can be seen. The area is kept very open to provide a sunny habitat for many invertebrates, but particularly butterflies. Turn left to reach point (20) at Pole Barn, the main summer work site where firewood is cut and split for delivery to the local area. Follow the track round to the right and signposted to the car park, passing the large cherry tree at waymark (21) to arrive back at the junction at point(3). Turn left up the main access track past point (2) to return to the start at the car park and visitor centre. Fact FileLocation: Bradfield Wood is 16 miles north west of Ipswich and 8 miles south east of Bury St. EdmundsStart: Bradfield Woods car park OS map reference TL 935580 Length: 2 miles (many other variations available) Conditions: Level woodland paths, no stiles, muddy when wet and boots advisable How to get there: - Public transport: Check for details with Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine 08459 583358 By Road: From Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds on A14, turn off into Beyton then south at cross roads, following signs for Felsham and then Bradfield Woods before reaching Felsham village Car Parking: Free car park at entrance to woods Refreshments: Pubs and shops in local villages Public Toilets: None Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 211 Bury St. Edmunds & Stowmarket Information: Information boards at the start and around the walks. Visitor Centre open on Sundays and Bank Holidays afternoons between April and September Walking on the web: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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