Portland Wood

Wood, Forest in Bedfordshire

England

Portland Wood

Stanford Road, Southill Credit: David Howard

Portland Wood is a serene and enchanting forest located in the county of Bedfordshire, England. Stretching over an area of approximately 100 hectares, this woodland is a captivating natural haven that offers a plethora of recreational opportunities and an abundance of wildlife.

The woodland is dominated by a diverse range of trees, including oak, ash, beech, and birch, which create a lush and vibrant canopy. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of ferns, bluebells, and other wildflowers, adding to its picturesque beauty. The network of well-maintained footpaths and trails makes it easily accessible for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Portland Wood is home to a rich variety of wildlife, providing a habitat for numerous species. Birdwatchers can spot a multitude of avian species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers, while nature enthusiasts may encounter roe deer, foxes, and badgers. The forest also boasts a diverse range of insects and butterflies, adding to its ecological significance.

This woodland is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including walking, jogging, and cycling. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for picnics and family outings. Additionally, the wood offers a camping area for those seeking a closer connection to nature.

Portland Wood is a cherished natural gem in Bedfordshire, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities, it is a destination that appeals to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Portland Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.063431/-0.34356103 or Grid Reference TL1341. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stanford Road, Southill

David Howard

Part of the car park for Rowney Warren Wood, Southill

The car park is also a picnic area.

Humphrey Bolton

Path in Rowney Warren Wood, Southill

It is all too easy to lose one's sense of direction in this wood, and also my GPS readings did not always indicate a position on one of the paths shown on the 1:25000 map.

Humphrey Bolton

Track in Rowney Warren Wood, Southill

This track goes along the southern edge of the wood, and over the boundary fence at a lower level there is a bridleway, which is part of the John Bunyan Trail. Along the length of the track that I walked there was no connection between the two paths.

Humphrey Bolton

Track junction in Rowney Warren Wood, Southill

I am not certain about the grid reference.

Humphrey Bolton

Disused railway bridge

This 3 arch bridge (No. HIB18) takes the Southill road over the old Bedford to Hitchin line of the Midland Railway. Before St. Pancras Station and the line from Bedford to London was built, Midland Railway trains accessed the GNR's Kings Cross station via Hitchin. After the new line was built, the line became a backwater, and was closed to passengers in 1961 and to freight in 1964.

Bob Walters

Railway bridge near Ireland

This old railway bridge is on the disused Bedford to Hitchin line of the Midland Railway which was fully closed in 1964.

Bob Walters

Southill Park Woods, Bedfordshire

Southill Park is near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Southill is a charming estate village dominated by Southill Park, home of the Whitbread Family since 1795. Samuel Whitbread I founded the famous brewery of the same name. Before the Whitbread Family, Southill Park was home to the Byngs. In All Saints Church lies the body of Admiral Sir John Byng who was blamed for the loss of Minorca to the French and executed on the deck of his own ship in 1757.

Christine Matthews

Southill Park Woods, Bedfordshire

Southill is a charming estate village dominated by Southill Park, home of the Whitbread Family since 1795. Samuel Whitbread I founded the famous brewery of the same name. Before the Whitbread Family, Southill Park was home to the Byngs. In All Saints Church lies the body of Admiral Sir John Byng who was blamed for the loss of Minorca to the French and executed on the deck of his own ship in 1757.

Christine Matthews