Claypits Wood

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire East Hertfordshire

England

Claypits Wood

Broxbourne Wood interior Credit: Roger Jones

Claypits Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Hertfordshire, England. Situated near the village of Rickmansworth, it covers an area of approximately 60 acres, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The wood is managed by the Woodland Trust, a leading conservation charity in the United Kingdom.

The wood is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, ash, and silver birch, which create a rich and vibrant canopy. The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of ferns, bluebells, and other native wildflowers, creating a stunning display during the spring and summer months.

Claypits Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, providing a haven for numerous species. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. Small mammals such as foxes, badgers, and squirrels also inhabit the wood, along with a diverse range of insects and butterflies.

The wood features several well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their leisure. As visitors wander through the peaceful woodland, they can also come across remnants of the area's industrial past, including old clay pits that give the wood its name.

Claypits Wood is a cherished natural treasure in Hertfordshire, offering a serene and enchanting environment for nature lovers, walkers, and families alike. Its accessibility, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity make it a popular destination for those seeking a respite in the heart of nature.

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Claypits Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.750272/-0.083072674 or Grid Reference TL3207. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Broxbourne Wood interior

Roger Jones

Path in Broxbourne Wood

Roger Jones

Broadwalk in Broxbourne Wood

Roger Jones

The edge of Cowheath Wood

Roger Jones

Looking toward Bourne Wood

Roger Jones

Path in Cowheath Wood

Roger Jones

The Old Vicarage, Well Row, Bayford, Hertfordshire

During the Second World War, the vicarage was used by the Special Operations Executive to train agents. One of the trainers was Kim Philby, later to become known as a double agent spying for the Soviet Union. This was his first post in intelligence, but he soon worked his way up to become a senior member of the British intelligence community.

Christine Matthews

The Old Vicarage, Well Row, Bayford, Hertfordshire

Seen during a recent visit.

Christine Matthews

Stream in Wormley Wood, Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve

Wormley Wood is part of the Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve. See Woodland Trust website: Link

- "One of only two areas of oak-hornbeam forest in the UK, Wormley Wood & Nut Wood are of European importance and are both listed as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Wormley Wood is largely ancient woodland which has been coppiced from the medieval period."

Roger Jones

Path in Wormley Wood, Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve

Wormley Wood is part of the Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve. See Woodland Trust website: Link

Roger Jones

Westfield Grove, Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve

Managed by the Woodland Trust, as part of Wormley Wood. See Woodland Trust website: Link

Roger Jones

St Mary's Church, Bayford

David Howard

St Mary's Church, Bayford

David Howard

Baker Arms Pub at Bayford

This pub gives the impression of a previous use perhaps as cottages.

Jack Hill

Railway Station at Bayford

There are no gates but a ticket machine at the entrance leaves one in no doubt of trespass and penalties.

Jack Hill

Pathway in Broxbourne Woods

This pathway is one of many in these beautiful woods. There is also a circular walk with beautiful sculptures carved from great chunks of wood.

Robin Hall

Sculpture in Broxbourne Woods.

This is one of about a dozen sculptures scattered around these woods by artist Dan Cordell. Each appears to be carved from a solid chunk of wood, some, as in this case, appear to be carved from a stump, where it grew.

Robin Hall