Hayley Wood Nature Reserve
Explore ancient coppiced woodland rich in spring flowers and wildlife, preserved in tranquil Hayley Wood Nature Reserve near Cambridge.
Hayley Wood Nature Reserve, near Little Gransden in Cambridgeshire, is a 51.7-hectare ancient woodland renowned for its rich biodiversity and traditional woodland management. This tranquil reserve features ancient coppice-with-standards, vibrant spring flowers such as oxlip and wood anemone, and a variety of wildlife including woodpeckers and deer. Managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, it offers a peaceful escape into nature with historical and ecological significance.
A brief summary to Hayley Wood Nature Reserve
- Cambridge, Little Gransden, GB
- +447894599020
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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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
- Visit in spring to see the spectacular display of oxlip, bluebells, and wood anemones in bloom.
- Use the information shelter at the Roundabout to learn about the reserve’s history and management.
- Wear sturdy footwear as some paths can be muddy or uneven due to natural woodland terrain.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; species like woodpeckers and treecreepers are commonly spotted.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus and Walking
Take the bus from Cambridge to Longstowe, then walk approximately 1.5 miles (about 30 minutes) along rural paths and Hayley Lane to reach Hayley Wood. The walk is on uneven terrain and may be muddy in wet weather. Bus fares typically range from £3 to £5 one way.
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Car
Drive from Cambridge via the A428 and A1198 roads to the B1046 near Little Gransden. Parking is available on the verge opposite Hayley Lane, about 300 meters from the reserve entrance. Note that parking is limited and on-road only, so early arrival is recommended. No parking fees apply.
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Cycling
Cyclists can reach Hayley Wood from Cambridge via country lanes, covering roughly 10 miles. The route includes quiet rural roads with some gentle hills. Secure bike parking is not provided at the reserve, so bring a lock. Suitable for experienced cyclists comfortable with mixed road conditions.
Hayley Wood Nature Reserve location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hayley Wood Nature Reserve
Ancient Woodland with Deep Roots
Hayley Wood is one of the largest and most ecologically significant ancient woodlands in Cambridgeshire, covering approximately 51.7 hectares (128 acres). Located near Little Gransden, it has been continuously managed by humans for centuries, with coppicing practices dating back to at least the 13th century. The woodland’s soil is heavy clay, creating waterlogged conditions on the flat hilltop, which supports a unique mix of flora and fauna. The wood is surrounded by an ancient hedge alongside Hayley Lane, estimated to be over 800 years old, adding to the site's historical richness.Flora and Fauna in a Living Landscape
The woodland’s structure is characterized by coppice-with-standards, including species such as field maple, ash, hazel, hawthorn, and a canopy dominated by pedunculate oak. Many oaks date from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, making them some of the oldest in the region. The reserve is especially noted for its spring wildflowers, including one of Britain’s largest oxlip populations, wood anemone, bluebell, yellow archangel, early purple orchid, and bird’s-nest orchid. The diversity of plants supports a rich insect life, which in turn attracts numerous bird species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chiffchaffs, and occasionally treecreepers and spotted flycatchers. In winter, flocks of redwing and fieldfare feed on the abundant berries.Traditional Management and Conservation Efforts
Coppicing, a traditional woodland management technique involving the periodic cutting back of trees to ground level to promote new growth, was revived at Hayley Wood in 1964 after ceasing in the 1920s. The reserve is divided into 14 one-acre coppice plots, cut sequentially each winter to maintain habitat diversity. Dead wood is deliberately left to support liverworts and woodpeckers, while rides and glades are mown to reduce nutrient levels and encourage wildflower diversity. A high deer fence installed in 1972 protects the woodland from overgrazing, helping to sustain the oxlip population and other sensitive species.Historical and Ecological Significance
Hayley Wood was the first site acquired by the Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely Naturalists' Trust, now the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. The wood’s northern edge once bordered the Varsity railway line between Bedford and Cambridge, now dismantled but still visible as a flower-rich strip. The reserve is a Nature Conservation Review site, Grade 1, reflecting its national importance. It also inspired the renowned woodland scholar Oliver Rackham, who documented its ecology and history.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to Hayley Wood can enjoy peaceful walks through ancient woodland paths lined with wildflowers and mature trees. The reserve’s mosaic of dense woodland, open rides, and glades creates varied habitats and scenic views. The ‘Roundabout’ area, historically used for timber extraction, now hosts an information shelter detailing the reserve’s ecology and management. Wildlife watchers may spot deer, badgers, foxes, and a wide variety of birds, while the seasonal changes bring vibrant displays of color and life.Access and Surroundings
Access to Hayley Wood is via Hayley Lane from the B1046 road, with parking available on the verge opposite the entrance. The reserve lies about 17 km southwest of Cambridge and is part of the West Cambridgeshire Hundreds Living Landscape Scheme, which aims to connect and conserve local nature reserves. It is open at all times, inviting visitors to explore its natural and historical treasures throughout the year.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Rupert Brooke
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The Grantchester Green Man
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Lord Byron Inn
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Westminster College
16.0 km
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Castle Park
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The Old Schools
16.1 km
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Bridge of Sighs
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Kettle's Yard
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St Bene’t’s Church
16.1 km
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Museum of Cambridge
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Remember Cambridge
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Senate House Hill
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Map of Cambridge
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Great St Mary's
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Castle Mound
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Unmissable attractions to see
National Trust - Wimpole Estate
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Bourn Windmill
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Terrible Tours
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RSPB The Lodge
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Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial
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Hilton Maze
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Things to do in Cambridge - The Online Guide
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RSPB Fowlmere
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Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
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Grantchester Recreation Ground
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Grantchester
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Grantchester Village Hall
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Cambridge Distillery
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Grantchester Tours
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The Church of Saint Andrew and Saint Mary Grantchester
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Essential places to dine
La Pergola
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Herbie's American Diner
13.8 km
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The Blue Ball Inn
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The Astronomer
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Carriages of Cambridge
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Green Man Cambridge
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Travellers Rest Beefeater
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Rice Boat Cambridge
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Sala Thong
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Granta
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MillWorks
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Garden House
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The Punter
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The Architect
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The Cambridge Chop House
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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A1 Personalised Gifts
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The Orchard Tea Garden
14.1 km
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Cream Rose
15.1 km
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Co-op Food - Grantchester Street - Newnham
15.4 km
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Greaterskies
15.9 km
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Samuel Smiley
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Nomads
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Indelibly Cambridge
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King's College Visitor Centre
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Parade
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University of Cambridge Museums Shop
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Podarok
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Fridge
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Giles & Co
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Poacher
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The Three Horseshoes
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The River Mill
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The Fox Bar Hill
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The Iris Bar
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The Guinea
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The Anchor
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The Mill
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The Castle Inn
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Eagle
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Bath House
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BrewDog Cambridge
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Pickerel
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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High Five
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The LAB
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80s karaoke bar
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Sing Dizzy
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The Exhibition
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
