Bernwood Forest

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Bernwood Forest

Menmarsh Road on a frosty morning Just for a while the rather straight road wiggles a bit.
Menmarsh Road on a frosty morning Credit: Robin Webster

Bernwood Forest, located in Oxfordshire, England, is a historically significant woodland area spanning approximately 2,500 acres. It is situated just a few miles southeast of the city of Oxford, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists. The forest is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, ash, and beech, which create a diverse and vibrant landscape throughout the year.

With a rich history dating back to medieval times, Bernwood Forest has served various purposes over the centuries. Originally designated as a royal hunting ground, it later became a royal forest under the Norman kings. In the Middle Ages, the forest was primarily used for timber production to support the construction of nearby Oxford's buildings and colleges.

Today, Bernwood Forest is managed by the Forestry Commission and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance. The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a multitude of bird species. It also features several nature trails and walking paths, allowing visitors to explore the forest's natural beauty and observe its diverse flora and fauna.

In addition to its natural attractions, Bernwood Forest is a popular recreational area, offering opportunities for activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. The forest provides a peaceful and tranquil escape from the bustling city, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bernwood Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.777888/-1.1228117 or Grid Reference SP6009. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Menmarsh Road on a frosty morning Just for a while the rather straight road wiggles a bit.
Menmarsh Road on a frosty morning
Just for a while the rather straight road wiggles a bit.
Footpath across a frosty field The path reference is Stanton St John 363/5/10.
Footpath across a frosty field
The path reference is Stanton St John 363/5/10.
Private No public right of way And to remove any perceived loophole - 'Private please keep out'.
Private No public right of way
And to remove any perceived loophole - 'Private please keep out'.
Menmarsh Road Towards Worminghall or Boarstall.
Menmarsh Road
Towards Worminghall or Boarstall.
Tank by the Oxfordshire Way The Oxfordshire Way is a well defined grassy farm track along here.
The tank looks in fairly good condition so it's hard to tell if it's in use or not. It's beside a small stream so maybe there's a pump to fill it for use in nearby fields where there are cows grazing.
Tank by the Oxfordshire Way
The Oxfordshire Way is a well defined grassy farm track along here. The tank looks in fairly good condition so it's hard to tell if it's in use or not. It's beside a small stream so maybe there's a pump to fill it for use in nearby fields where there are cows grazing.
Falling Apart Round The Edges Another of the wooden towers which are all along the Oxfordshire Way around the edge of Bernwood Forest. They are in various states of repair, with this one looking especially dodgy.
The bit in the distance where the forest curves off to the left is called Drunkard's Corner.
Falling Apart Round The Edges
Another of the wooden towers which are all along the Oxfordshire Way around the edge of Bernwood Forest. They are in various states of repair, with this one looking especially dodgy. The bit in the distance where the forest curves off to the left is called Drunkard's Corner.
Road towards Boarstall
Road towards Boarstall
The M40 heading southbound
The M40 heading southbound
Worn out sign at Joshua Farm This poor old name board at the entrance to Joshua Farm has definitely seen better days.
Worn out sign at Joshua Farm
This poor old name board at the entrance to Joshua Farm has definitely seen better days.
Field at Joshua Farm
Field at Joshua Farm
Dead in Hell Coppice I wonder why this is called Hell Coppice. It seems quite a tranquil sort of place.
Dead in Hell Coppice
I wonder why this is called Hell Coppice. It seems quite a tranquil sort of place.
Old Trees, New Trees New seedlings growing up amongst the stumps of their felled predecessors.
A clearing in Hell Coppice.
Old Trees, New Trees
New seedlings growing up amongst the stumps of their felled predecessors. A clearing in Hell Coppice.
Track in Hell Coppice Little used and a bit boggy, but open to wander along should you want to.
Track in Hell Coppice
Little used and a bit boggy, but open to wander along should you want to.
Cows on the edge of Bernwood Forest
Cows on the edge of Bernwood Forest
Oxfordshire Way near Menmarsh Guide Post I'm not sure why the OS marks Menmarsh Guide Post so prominently on the map.
It's just a signpost, and there's no marsh.
I did meet the local farmer up at the end here, so there were some men, but not for long.
Oxfordshire Way near Menmarsh Guide Post
I'm not sure why the OS marks Menmarsh Guide Post so prominently on the map. It's just a signpost, and there's no marsh. I did meet the local farmer up at the end here, so there were some men, but not for long.
Hedgerow oaks The hedge is along Danes Brook.
Hedgerow oaks
The hedge is along Danes Brook.
Road junction and grass triangle A minor road junction for three roads, a farm track and a bridleway.
Road junction and grass triangle
A minor road junction for three roads, a farm track and a bridleway.
Footbridge over M40 The M40 Motorway runs 89 miles between London and Birmingham. Built in several stages between 1967 and 1990, it provides an alternative route to the M1/M6 route between the two cities.
Footbridge over M40
The M40 Motorway runs 89 miles between London and Birmingham. Built in several stages between 1967 and 1990, it provides an alternative route to the M1/M6 route between the two cities.
Show me another place!

Bernwood Forest is located at Grid Ref: SP6009 (Lat: 51.777888, Lng: -1.1228117)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: South Oxfordshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///marshes.barstool.grades. Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire

Related Wikis

Waterperry Wood

Waterperry Wood is a 137-hectare (340-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) east of Oxford in Oxfordshire. It is a Nature Conservation...

Holton Wood

Holton Wood is a 50.6-hectare (125-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest east of Oxford in Oxfordshire.This ancient wood was formerly part...

Stanton Great Wood

Stanton Great Wood is a 58.2-hectare (144-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north-east of Oxford in Oxfordshire.This coppice with standards...

Bernwood Meadows

Bernwood Meadows is a 7.5-hectare (19-acre) nature reserve near Oakley in Buckinghamshire. It is managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire...

Holly Wood, Oxfordshire

Holly Wood is a 25.6-hectare (63-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north-east of Oxford in Oxfordshire.This ancient wood is a small...

Shabbington Woods Complex

Shabbington Woods Complex is a 305.6-hectare (755-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest ((SSSI) between Horton-cum-Studley and Worminghall...

Forest Hill, Oxfordshire

Forest Hill is a village in the civil parish of Forest Hill with Shotover, in the South Oxfordshire district, in Oxfordshire, England, about 4.5 miles...

Looping Star (Clacton Pier)

Looping Star is a steel roller coaster located at Clacton Pier in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex manufactured by Pinfari. It was formerly located at Codonas Amusement...

Have you been to Bernwood Forest?

Leave your review of Bernwood Forest below (or comments, questions and feedback).