Blandford Woods

Region: South Central

A coniferous and mixed broadleaf woodland, formerly planted for British Army training and now a tranquil 14-hectare green space with a network of surfaced and unsurfaced paths to explore.

The Present and the Future

Blandford Woods is managed in partnership with Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership for the benefit of the local community and wildlife.

BVCP looks after the site on a day-to day-basis and provides community volunteering opportunities.

Blandford Woods Contact


The site contact for our Blandford Woods space is BVCP Ranger Team Tel: 01252 331 353

This space is managed in partnership with Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Open access

Car Parking

Yes - off Forge Lane, Aldershot, GU11 2RE.
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Toilets


(click here to find the nearest public toilets)

Entrance cost

The site is free to use.

Accessibility

A mix of surfaced and unsurfaced woodland paths with bridges. Some areas are inclined/stepped, but flatter routes are also available. One bench is available for resting and admiring the views.

Footpaths

Yes. The circular walk (c.2km) provides a great way to explore the woods.

Dogs

Well-controlled dogs are welcome. Please pick up after your dog and use the bins provided.

Things to do

Walking, bird watching and wildlife spotting.

Conservation, Wildlife, Flora, Fauna

The woods are home to a population of Green hound’s-tongue (Cynoglossum germanicum), one of the UK’s rarest plants. At least 9 species of bat forage across the site - including barbastelle and soprano pipistrelle. Firecrests breed in the conifers.

Other nearby attractions

Wellesley Woodlands, Basingstoke Canal, Blackwater Valley Path, Ash Green Meadows and Runfold Ridge.

Other Links

View the link

Location

Forge Lane, Aldershot , GU11 2RE

Site size: 14 hectares

Events

There are currently no events relating to this space.

View all events

History

This Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) was established in 2023-2024. The purpose of this and other local SANGs is to avoid increased recreational pressure on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) from new residential development by providing alternative recreation areas that offer a similar experience to the SPA.

Following establishment of the SANG the site is being managed in accordance with a SANG management plan, for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Development

The Land Trust took over responsibility for Blandford Woods in February 2024. Current and future management seeks to enhance the recreational and biodiversity value of the site.

Land Trust Contact

To contact the Land Trust about this site or how we could help manage your space please click here .

To enquire about holding an event on a Land Trust site, please click here.

Our other spaces in the South Central

How you can help

We are always on the look out for enthusiastic, committed people who want to make a real and lasting difference in their local community.

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