| Possibly the most varied piece of woodland
in Middlesex, Old Park Wood is an ancient woodland teeming with
wildlife.
The highlight of the wood is the abundance of flowers in spring. Bluebells form a stunning carpet, along with yellow archangel, lesser celandine, wood anenome and the uncommon coralroot bittercress. Golden saxifrage and marsh marigolds grow on stream banks and around the pond. The pond is also important for dragonflies and amphibians. The wood is rich in invertebrates and birds, including all three British species of woodpecker. The types of tree change as you walk through the wood due to the change in soil types. For instance birch and oak at the top, giving way to oak and hornbeam, with oak and ash at the bottom of the hill. Old Park Wood is designated a Site of Special Scientific interest and is owned by the Trust. |
 The management of the reserve is based on a policy of limited
intervention. Some open areas are created and managed in the form of paths
and glades to benefit wildflowers and
butterflies, but much of the woodland is left to develop
naturally. |
| Visiting |
 The wood is behind Harefield Hospital. From Harefield village
take the Rickmansworth Road, turning left into Hill End Road and left again
through the hospital gates. Keep to the right around the hospital road until
arriving at a fence where there is a small parking area (a charge is made).
Follow the waymark down the slope, go through the gate and follow the field edge into the
wood. |
 Bus stop in Harefield Hospital grounds. Trains to Northwood
(Metropolitan Line). |
 Accessible at all times. |
 April/May for spring flora. |
 Wellingtons required in wet weather. |