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Finemere Wood: Ancient Woodland and Wildlife Haven in Buckinghamshire

Explore Finemere Wood, an ancient Buckinghamshire woodland alive with history, wildflowers, butterflies, and tranquil nature walks.

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Finemere Wood is a 45.7-hectare ancient woodland and nature reserve near Quainton, Buckinghamshire, managed by BBOWT. It features diverse habitats including meadows and pastures, supporting over 200 species of flowers, abundant butterflies, birds, and bats. Once part of the Royal Bernwood Forest, it offers rich history and a tranquil escape with circular wildlife walks and seasonal guided tours.

A brief summary to Finemere Wood

  • Lee Rd, Aylesbury, Quainton, HP18 0QN, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as paths can be narrow, uneven, and muddy, especially after rain.
  • Visit in spring or summer to experience vibrant wildflowers and the best butterfly sightings.
  • Follow the 1.5-mile circular Wildlife Walk marked by badger waymarkers for a rewarding exploration.
  • Check for any access updates due to HS2-related roadworks and be prepared for a manned barrier at the entrance.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Aylesbury, the journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes via local roads. Parking is available at the end of the open section of the access track off Lee Road near Quainton. Note that access involves passing through a manned barrier due to nearby HS2 roadworks. Parking is free but limited.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Quainton to Aylesbury and surrounding towns with a travel time of 30-45 minutes. From Quainton, a 3-kilometer walk on rural roads and footpaths leads to Finemere Wood. Bus service frequency varies, so check schedules in advance.

  • Walking

    For walkers staying in Quainton or nearby villages, the reserve is accessible via country lanes and footpaths. Expect a 30-45 minute walk over uneven terrain, suitable for experienced walkers. Paths can be muddy and narrow in places.

Finemere Wood location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Finemere Wood

A Living Legacy of Ancient Woodland

Finemere Wood spans approximately 45.7 hectares (113 acres) of ancient woodland near Quainton, Buckinghamshire. This protected biological Site of Special Scientific Interest is part of the historic Royal Bernwood Forest, once a royal hunting ground where kings and queens pursued wild boar and deer. The woodland's deep-rooted history is palpable, with medieval drovers’ tracks and centuries-old trees shaping its landscape. Managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), the reserve is a living mosaic of habitats that reflect both natural heritage and ongoing conservation efforts.

Flora and Fauna: A Biodiverse Sanctuary

Finemere Wood is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, hosting over 200 recorded species of wildflowers. Springtime transforms the woodland floor with carpets of bluebells, primroses, wood anemones, and early-purple orchids. Coppiced clearings brighten with lesser celandine and dog's mercury, while summer brings hairy St. John's-wort and willowherb. The adjoining historic meadow, maintained through traditional grazing, bursts with ragged-robin, cuckooflower, saw-wort, betony, and devil's-bit scabious, supporting a thriving community of bees and butterflies. Notably, the reserve is one of the best places in the region to spot the majestic purple emperor butterfly alongside white admirals and silver-washed fritillaries.

Conservation and Volunteer Stewardship

BBOWT actively manages Finemere Wood through habitat restoration and monitoring. Volunteers play a vital role, engaging in tasks such as scrub clearance, tree felling, hedge laying, and maintaining open rides that encourage sunlight penetration for ground flora and invertebrates. Seasonal wildlife surveys track populations of birds, bats, butterflies, and the impact of deer. The British Trust for Ornithology contributes by ringing birds to study survival and movement patterns. These combined efforts sustain the ecological richness and resilience of the woodland amid modern challenges like nearby infrastructure development.

Visitor Experience and Trails

Visitors can explore Finemere Wood year-round via a 1.5-mile circular Wildlife Walk marked by badger waymarkers, offering a peaceful immersion in nature. The terrain varies from narrow, root-strewn paths to wider grassy rides, with some areas prone to muddiness, making sturdy footwear advisable. The wood’s atmosphere is especially enchanting in spring and summer when wildflowers and butterflies abound. Seasonal guided walks provide deeper insights into the reserve’s natural and historical significance. While the reserve is rustic and more suited to walkers than families with young children, it offers rewarding encounters with wildlife including birdsong, butterflies, and occasional sightings of hares.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Finemere Wood faces pressures from nearby developments such as the HS2 high-speed rail and East West Rail projects, which run close to the reserve’s western boundary. These pose challenges for wildlife connectivity and habitat integrity. Despite this, BBOWT’s ongoing conservation projects and volunteer dedication aim to safeguard the reserve’s ecological and historical value. Visitors are encouraged to respect the delicate environment and enjoy this tranquil woodland sanctuary responsibly.

Access and Amenities

The reserve is accessible via Lee Road near Quainton, with parking available at the end of the open section of the access track. Visitors should note that access may involve passing through a manned barrier due to nearby road realignment works linked to HS2. Facilities are minimal, emphasizing a natural, undisturbed experience. There are no entrance fees, and the reserve is open at all times, inviting visitors to connect with one of Buckinghamshire’s most treasured natural landscapes.

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