Parson's Spinney

Wood, Forest in Bedfordshire

England

Parson's Spinney

Former Poddington airfield: aerial Ex-WW2 military airfield, now home to the Santa Pod Dragstrip.
Former Poddington airfield: aerial Credit: Chris

Parson's Spinney is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Bedfordshire, England. This enchanting forest, also known as Parson's Wood, covers an area of approximately 20 acres and is nestled in the heart of the idyllic Bedfordshire countryside.

The woodland is characterized by a diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and ash, which create a rich and vibrant canopy overhead. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of wildflowers, such as bluebells and primroses, adding a splash of color to the serene surroundings.

Parson's Spinney is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The woodland offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. Along these paths, one can encounter an abundance of wildlife, including squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of bird species.

For those interested in history, Parson's Spinney holds a special significance. It is believed that the woodland was once part of an ancient hunting ground owned by the local parson, hence its name. The area exudes a sense of timelessness, with ancient trees standing tall and remnants of past human activity, such as old stone walls, adding to its charm.

Overall, Parson's Spinney is a true gem in the Bedfordshire countryside. Its serene ambiance, diverse flora and fauna, and historical connections make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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

Parson's Spinney Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.224907/-0.58015807 or Grid Reference SP9759. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Former Poddington airfield: aerial Ex-WW2 military airfield, now home to the Santa Pod Dragstrip.
Former Poddington airfield: aerial
Ex-WW2 military airfield, now home to the Santa Pod Dragstrip.
Santa Pod Raceway: aerial 2014 Drag racing circuit. See: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.santapod.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.santapod.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Santa Pod Raceway: aerial 2014
Drag racing circuit. See: LinkExternal link
Research Establishment, Colworth: aerial 2014
Research Establishment, Colworth: aerial 2014
All Saints, Odell
All Saints, Odell
Entrance to Sharnbrook
Entrance to Sharnbrook
River Great Ouse at Odell Taken looking downstream from the footbridge across the river.
River Great Ouse at Odell
Taken looking downstream from the footbridge across the river.
All Saints, Odell - SE elevation Standing on its hillock, the church dominates the approach to Odell in both directions.
All Saints, Odell - SE elevation
Standing on its hillock, the church dominates the approach to Odell in both directions.
All Saints, Odell - north elevation
All Saints, Odell - north elevation
Odell Mill The first reference to a mill in Odell was made in 1086 but it is apparently not possible to establish that the mill in question was on this particular site. However milling took place on this site for at least some of the intervening period until the early C20.
Odell Mill
The first reference to a mill in Odell was made in 1086 but it is apparently not possible to establish that the mill in question was on this particular site. However milling took place on this site for at least some of the intervening period until the early C20.
Gate from Odell Road
Gate from Odell Road
Signs at footpath in The Swell
Signs at footpath in The Swell
The Lodge Sharnbrook This used to be the gateway to Colworth House.
The Lodge Sharnbrook
This used to be the gateway to Colworth House.
Castle Close Wildlife and Heritage Site
Castle Close Wildlife and Heritage Site
Mediaeval Earthworks in Castle Close Wildlife and Heritage Site
Mediaeval Earthworks in Castle Close Wildlife and Heritage Site
Santa Pod Raceway - Drag Racing
Santa Pod Raceway - Drag Racing
Santa Pod raceway Santa Pod dragstrip in Bedfordshire, facing south west. It is exactly a quarter of a mile to the finish line on the horizon.
Santa Pod raceway
Santa Pod dragstrip in Bedfordshire, facing south west. It is exactly a quarter of a mile to the finish line on the horizon.
Colworth Estate The estate is owned by Unilever, a multinational company.
Colworth Estate
The estate is owned by Unilever, a multinational company.
Footpath through Woodland The path runs through a thin strip of woodland between Souldrop Village and the Colworth Laboratories.
Footpath through Woodland
The path runs through a thin strip of woodland between Souldrop Village and the Colworth Laboratories.
Show me another place!

Parson's Spinney is located at Grid Ref: SP9759 (Lat: 52.224907, Lng: -0.58015807)

Unitary Authority: Bedford

Police Authority: Bedfordshire

What 3 Words

///repelled.ironclad.gratuity. Near Odell, Bedfordshire

Related Wikis

North East Bedfordshire (UK Parliament constituency)

North East Bedfordshire is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom since 2019 by Richard Fuller, of...

Church of All Saints, Odell, Bedfordshire

Church of All Saints is a Grade I listed church in Odell, Bedfordshire, England. It became a listed building on 13 July 1964.The church is a fine example...

Sharnbrook Academy

Sharnbrook Academy, formerly Sharnbrook Upper School until 2017, is a large, rural academy school located in Sharnbrook, a village in the English county...

Odell Castle

Odell Castle was an 11th-century castle in the village of Odell, in the county of Bedfordshire, England. The land where Odell Castle stood was originally...

Santa Pod Raceway

Santa Pod Raceway is Europe's first permanent drag racing venue for 1⁄4 mile (1,300 ft; 0.40 km) and 1⁄8 mile (660 ft; 0.20 km) racing. Located in Podington...

Odell, Bedfordshire

Odell is a small village and civil parish in the Borough of Bedford, north Bedfordshire, England, approximately 7 miles (11 km) north-west of Bedford town...

Felmersham

Felmersham is a small village and civil parish in the Borough of Bedford in Bedfordshire, England, on the River Great Ouse, about 7 miles (11 km) north...

Souldrop

Souldrop is a village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Knotting and Souldrop, in the Bedford district, in the ceremonial county of Bedfordshire...

Have you been to Parson's Spinney?

Leave your review of Parson's Spinney below (or comments, questions and feedback).