Frodsham Woods
Frodsham, Cheshire
On an abandoned golf course where celebrities once teed off, we are creating a vibrant green haven for wildlife and people.
Our vision for this land is a thriving mosaic of habitats, including lush broadleaved woodland, grassland meadows and wooded glades dotted with wild flowers. Throughout the site, a network of grassy paths will offer fabulous walks with far-reaching views to the Welsh borders, the western Pennines and the Bowland Fells, along with Liverpool and the Mersey estuary.
Our work has already begun. We have planted 30,000 young trees, which in years to come will provide vital homes for wildlife, lock away carbon and provide a wild space for the local community to cherish. What’s more, Frodsham Woods is connected to three of our existing woodlands, so will bolster and protect the precious ancient woods of Snidley Moor, Woodhouse Hill and Frodsham Hill Wood. Together, these four sites create a continuous wooded area spanning a staggering 92 hectares (229 acres) of land, home to a rich variety of wildlife including badgers, buzzards and rare butterflies.
Features
- Public access
- Good views
- Spring flowers
- Ancient woodland
How to get to Frodsham Woods
Frodsham Woods is located above the town of Frodsham in Cheshire, immediately to the east of Frodsham Hill Wood. The woodlands of Woodhouse Hill and Snidley Moor lie slightly further to the south.
Take the B5439 out of Frodsham and turn right onto Manley Road, then right again onto Simons Lane. Frodsham Woods car park is signposted up the hill, on the left-hand side.
The nearest train station is at Frodsham, located 1.5 miles from the woodland.
Visit National Rail for more information.
From Frodsham, take the X30 route along the B5152. There is a short walk afterwards to get to site.
Visit Traveline for more information.
National Cycle Route 5 passes through Frodsham, although not immediately close to the woodland.
Facilities and access
A number of public footpaths cross Frodsham Woods and the adjacent woodlands. The long-distance Sandstone Trail runs southwest through the old golf course from Overton Hill and offers panoramic views of the new planting areas and wider landscape.
Frodsham Woods has a good network of paths, which are mostly wide grassy tracks. There are no stiles or gates to negotiate and only shallow slopes throughout.
Please park in Frodsham Woods car park, Simons Lane, Frodsham, WA6 6HE.
Grid reference: SJ518761.
There are no public toilets on site, but there are toilets nearby in Frodsham.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
The diverse habitats at this flourishing site and the surrounding ancient woodlands play host to a myriad of bird species, from soaring buzzards to scampering nuthatches. In spring, listen out for the dawn chorus in full swing. On warm sunny days, spot butterflies and moths along the grassy rides.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
Across the former golf course, we have planted 30,000 native tree species including sessile oak, silver and downy birch, field maple, small-leaved lime, rowan, wild cherry, hazel and hawthorn.
Visit in spring to see a haze of bluebells spring up across the woodland margins, while the glossy leaves and scarlet berries of holly shrubs provide a splash of colour in the winter months.
Look out for:
Habitats
The patchwork of habitats across the site includes recently planted broadleaf woodland and areas of wildflower-rich grassland. Frodsham Woods also connects to three other woodland sites, so features precious ancient woodland habitats along its margins.
Sandwiched between the four woods is an area of privately owned woodland called Dunsdale Hollows - a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which can be accessed via public footpaths.
Explore:
History of Frodsham Woods
Frodsham Woods was once a golf course frequented by famous footballers including Michael Owen and Dietmar Hamann. When the golf course closed during the pandemic, there were concerns from local residents that the site would become a housing estate. However, we took over management of the site in order to create native broadleaved woodland and wildflower-rich glades for the local community to enjoy.
On a stroll through Frodsham Woods and the connecting ancient woodlands, there are plenty of interesting historic features to spot. These include old quarries, caves and the remains of the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort on the summit of Woodhouse Hill.
Things to do at Frodsham Woods
Walks
There is a good network of public and permissive footpaths throughout the site, which are well used and enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield. Public bridleways pass through Snidley Moor and Frodsham Hill Wood. A section of the Sandstone Trail passes through the woods, from Frodsham towards Whitchurch, and includes some steep climbs.
Watch the video of community tree planting at Frodsham
We're planting 30,000 trees at the old golf course to create a new native community woodland.
Take an audio tour of this wood
Listen to our Woodland Walks podcast series with host Adam Shaw and special guests.
External link
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Walking
Taking a walk in the woods is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Every year, thousands of people give their precious time to help us protect and care for woods and trees.
Other woods nearby
Woodland Trust Wood
Snidley Moor, Woodhouse Hill & Frodsham Hill Woods
Frodsham
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Woodland Trust Wood
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Woodland Trust Wood
Dutton Park
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Woodland Trust Wood
Longacre Wood
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