Linford Wood
About Linford Wood
Explore Linford Wood, a 700-year-old ancient woodland that is the largest and oldest in the city, covering 97.1 acres located north of Central Milton Keynes. Originally, this area was managed for several centuries as part of the Great Linford Manor Estate. In 1284, it was enclosed as a deer park to provide opportunities for hunting, pig pannage and grazing. When entering the woods, look carefully through the undergrowth or from above for our series of fun Wood Carved Sculptures that are inspired by various woodland animals and plants.
Linford Wood serves as an essential habitat for various wildlife such as deer, foxes, badgers and a diverse range of bird species, including the Green Woodpecker, Tree Creeper, Willow Warbler, Sparrowhawk, and Tawny Owl. As with any woodland, the flora in Linford Wood is also rich and varied, meaning there is always something new to see, from the amazing bluebell display in Spring and Summer flowers to the fungal displays of Autumn and Winter.
Our management aims of Linford Wood (and Stanton Wood) are to maintain and enhance the semi-natural character of the woodland, increase its conservation interest, and build its recreational and landscape value.
Stanton Wood
Stanton Wood is situated south-west of Linford Wood, being 4.4 acres in size. The date when this area was planted has yet to be discovered, but it is represented as a woodland on the Ordnance Survey Map between 1833 and 1835. Stanton Wood is predominantly a long-established secondary woodland planted over ridge and furrow fields, with a canopy involving mainly Ash, Oak and Field Maple trees.
BSI Pond and Meadow
BSI, a local business in Milton Keynes, have generously contributed to the work at Linford Wood for several years. This includes hedge-laying, wildflower seeding for meadows to develop, and the restoration of ponds in the southwestern corner of the woods. In time, this pond should become a valuable place for wildlife, providing a habitat for many threatened amphibian species.
Car parking
The car park for this site is located off the V7 Saxon Street adjacent to a BP garage and the large communications mast.
Toilets
There are no public toilets in the woods.
Accessibility
Access is superb throughout the wood as nearly all paths are hard surfaces. The two grass rides within the wood might prove too soft for wheelchairs or buggies after periods of heavy rain.
Please can we remind all dog walkers to keep their pets on leads in the woods during breeding season (March to September).
Facilities at Linford Wood
Parking
Café
Picnic Tables
Santander Cycles
Bridle Path
Seating
