Circular walks in Three Rivers
Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve
| Time: | This walk takes about one and a half hours to complete. |
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Route
Oxhey Woods extends for over 240 acres and contains areas of woodland that date back towards the last ice age some 10,000 years ago. Within its bounds can are the spring displays of bluebells, anemones and violets, plus the unusual wild service tree.
Pipistrelle Bats
Smallest of Britains bats, these are a common sight within the woods darting back and forth in pursuit of small insects, that are caught and eaten on the wing. They are highly effective hunters and may catch as manay as 3000 insects in a single night
Volunteers
In collaboration with the District Council, these woods are nurtured by the Friends of Oxhey Woods Volunteers - a group who meet once per month to work on a variety of conservation projects.
Old Trees
The scattering of old decaying trees found throughout the woods may appear to have reached the end of their usual life. However, to wildlife, just the opposite is true. As the trees start to decay they provide shelter for bats, woodpeckers and countless populations of insects. Despite losing the vigour of their youth many trees can continue to survive for centuries, slowly spreading outwards while their centre gradually rots away.
Woodland rides
Although it may not be obvious at first glance, the woods have been managed for centuries. They mostly provided timber for houses, fencing and carpentry in the local area. All this stopped after the First World War and since then the words have been left almost untouched. As the woods grow unchecked they become progressively darker, forcing many of the familiar woodland plants to the edges of the broader paths and rides, so maintaining these becomes essential to their survival.
Starting point and getting there
The walk starts from the car park on Oxhey Drive South, near to its junction with prestwick Road, but can be joined at any point along its route. People living in South Ochey or the adjacent areas of Northwood should be able to walk to it. If you are coming from further afield, the area is well served by bus routes and Carpenders Park Station is about 15 minutes from the route.
Finding your way
There are numerous small paths that are not marked on the map. Simply look out for the distinctive waymarker posts positioned each time there is a major change in direction or when a short cut or access path joins the route. Please note that the route crosses the South Oxhey Circular walk, and the two walks can be linked together.
Rights of Way symbols you might see
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Yellow arrows indicate footpaths for pedestrian use only |
| Blue arrows indicate bridleways for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrian use only |
| Red arrows indicate Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT) for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians and may be legally used by other wheeled vehicles |
| Black arrows indicate Roads Used as Public Paths (RUPP) for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians and may be legally used by other wheeled vehicles |
Maps
This map is based on Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Hertfordshire County Council 100019606 2004.
The Ordnance Survey mapping included within this web-site is provided by Hertfordshire County Council under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfill its public function to provide information relating to its activities, services and plans. Persons viewing this mapping should contact Ordnance Survey copyright for advice where they wish to license Ordnance survey mapping for their own use.
See the Ordnance Survey site for more information.
This is is one of a series of walks through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) supported by the Chilterns Conference.
Please be considerate in the countryside - keep to footpaths, especially through crops, and leave farm gates as you find them.
