Acomb Wood and Meadow Local Nature Reserve - Parks and open spaces directory

Acomb Wood and Meadow Local Nature Reserve
Acomb Wood Drive
Dringhouses and Woodthorpe

Designated in March 2007, this is York's newest nature reserve. The ten-acres of mixed woodland and ancient meadow is a green oasis in the middle of a large housing estate. Parts of the wood have had a chequered history with plantation planting and periods of neglect. Old ridge and furrow suggest the area was planted with trees in the 18th century, after a time as arable fields.

Across Acomb Wood Drive is West Wood managed by the Woodland Trust. Uncommon woodland wild flowers, including sanicle and twayblade, suggest this is an ancient woodland site.

For more information see our Acomb Wood and Meadow leaflet.

Walks

There is a circular walk around the woodland which takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to complete, ensure you're wearing wellies or walking boots though, as the woodland surface can become very muddy in places, especially after rain in the winter! The footpath is well trodden and easy to follow, and it takes you all the way around the perimeter of the woodland.

Wildlife

Birds - great spotted woodpecker, tree creeper, nut hatch, coal tit, long-tailed tit, robin, thrush, willow warbler, tawny owl.

Butterflies - small skipper, common blue, small copper.

Wildflowers - a wide variety of wildflowers in the Old Hay Meadow.

How to get involved

For more information about the site or how to get involved, contact the Friends of Acomb Wood by contacting the Environment and Community Team on email: environmentandcommunity@york.gov.uk.

Open access. There are level paths through the main woodland area.