Oak Wood

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire St. Albans

England

Oak Wood

The Runway, Hatfield Now no longer a runway but a huge mock-Georgian housing estate. This is the end of the runway and the road. — The Runway, Hatfield Credit: David Howard

Oak Wood is a charming forest located in the county of Hertfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is a prominent natural attraction and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The forest is predominantly composed of oak trees, which gives it its name and contributes to its picturesque atmosphere.

This woodland offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, creating a vibrant ecosystem. The majestic oak trees dominate the landscape, providing a canopy of shade and shelter for the various wildlife that call this forest home. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide array of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and a variety of songbirds, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The forest's trails and pathways are well-maintained, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. The dense undergrowth of ferns and wildflowers adds to the enchanting ambiance, creating a tranquil and peaceful setting that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic.

Oak Wood also holds historical significance, as it was once a part of the ancient Royal Forest of Hertfordshire. The remnants of this history can still be seen in the form of old boundary markers and the occasional ancient tree. It provides a glimpse into the rich heritage and cultural importance of the area.

Overall, Oak Wood in Hertfordshire is a captivating forest, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of England.

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Oak Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.769077/-0.28026976 or Grid Reference TL1809. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Runway, Hatfield

Now no longer a runway but a huge mock-Georgian housing estate. This is the end of the runway and the road.

David Howard

The Runway, Hatfield

No longer a runway but a huge estate.

David Howard

Signal mast

Looking E to the signal mast at TL184103.

Rob Hinkley

Signal mast and razor wire

Looking almost straight into the sun from TL185104 at the signal mast on the road coming east out of Sandridge. No normal phone mast this; the thing's ringed with two layers of razor wire fence and has a sign at the entrance with a royal coat of arms on it. Photo notes: for better results take photo in morning, not afternoon like I did - the mast's partially obscured by trees from the west, so better to be east of it with the sun behind you.

Rob Hinkley

Fork in the path

Looking North from TL188105, the path forking right into Symondshyde Great Wood

Rob Hinkley

Picnic area, Symonshyde Great Wood

Taken looking West from the road at TL199107, toward the entrance of what might win a prize for being Britain's Least Welcoming Picnic Area.

Rob Hinkley

Ramp into tunnel under the road called Woodcockhill

There is evidence of sand pit workings on both sides of the road.The trees in the distance are in Symondshydes Great Wood

Jack Hill

New Dutch Barn workshops Fairfolds Farm

This is obviously a farm refurbished as business premises

Jack Hill

Fairshot Court in Woodcockhill Sandridge

The gates were shut and barred but with no fence alongside the gate posts.

Jack Hill

Footpath in Symondshyde Great Wood

Footpath on western edge of Symondshyde Great Wood looking south.

Richard Mills

Wireless Mast, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Intriguing – This old-fashioned looking radio mast is stuck on the top of a minor hill in the Hertfordshire countryside and looks most incongruous. The map marks it as a wireless station and there are some mysterious road signs to “HOSDB”. I must find our more ... TL1810 : HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) Sandridge

The original site began 1939 as a wireless intercept station for the Foreign Office operated by GPO radio engineers and was used to intercept diplomatic traffic between enemy governments and their embassies. Initially the messages were in morse code but later Germany used high speed encryption and transmission equipment that needed to be recorded by undulators, a mechanised paper strip inking system. The results were sent by teleprinter to Bletchley park for decryption. The messages were of the highest value to Winston Churchill who received assessments every day. After WW2 it became part of the Diplomatic Wireless Service and remained largely unchanged until 1973 when it was handed over to the Home office. Sources - National Archives file HW55/3 & HW14/102, Link

Chris Reynolds

Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Nos 1 and 2 Fairfold's Farm Cottages were built as a timber framed farmhouse in the 15th or 16th century with cross wings probably added in the 17th century. This was later turned into two 2 cottages. It has gabled wings at each end, slightly projecting and with steep pitched roofs. Centre right section was probably an open hall when first built. Link

In 1726 “Fearfull's Farm” was part of the Manor of Sandridge. The copyhold owner was John Huntsman and the tenant was Joseph Smith. The farm was a big one for the time at 229 acres. Link

Members of the Thrale family were farmers there in the second half of the 18th century until the death of Thomas Thrale in 1813. Thomas was succeeded by his brother-in-law Charles Parsons, who was there until 1834. The next farmer recorded there was James Cole. Later in the 19th century members of the George Family also farmed there as did George Byles.

Chris Reynolds

Fairfolds Farm showing gabled wings

For history of this 15th/16th century farm see TL1810 : Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

An Old Tree and Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

For history of this 15th/16th century farm see TL1810 : Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

A Distant View of Fairfolds Farm

For history of farm see TL1810 : Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

A field of oil-seed rape at Fairfolds Farm

The Ordnance Survey shows a short length of footpath that runs close to the farm. While there is a finger post on the road the route is not clearly marked – but it runs between the hedge on the immediate left and the crop. The Woods in the distance are Sleeve Hall Wood and Hook's Wood.

Chris Reynolds