Stratton Wood
Kingsdown Swindon
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
53.70 ha (132.69 acres)
Grid reference:
SU165889
Map reference:
Explorer 169
OS Landranger 173
This large and vibrant young woodland provides visitors with a range of habitats to explore, including wildflower meadows, seasonal ponds and areas of mature trees. It is designated as a County Wildlife Site and was planted as part of the Great Western Community Project.
Listen out for skylarks and woodpeckers, and keep your eyes peeled for the butterflies that visit the meadows and path edges in the summer.
Features
- Parking at site
- Public access
- Waymarked walk
- Grassland
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to Stratton Wood
Stratton Wood is a 53.7-hectare (132.7-acre) woodland, just outside Swindon. It is the largest of 12 sites that make up Great Western Community Forest Project.
From central Swindon, take the A4312 (Drakes Way). At the roundabout take the second exit onto the B4006 Swindon Road, heading north. At the mini roundabout next to the Crown Inn, take the first exit to remain on B4006. At the crossroads with Arkells Brewery and The Kingsdown Arms, turn right onto the B4141, Kingsdown Road. Go over the A419 and the car park is on the left-hand side, approximately 150 metres after the A419 bridge.
The nearest train station is on Station Road, Swindon, approximately 9.6km (6 miles) from the main entrance to Stratton Wood.
Visit National Rail for more
information.
There is a bus stop directly outside the main entrance to the wood on Kingsdown Road.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Facilities and access
There are six official entrances to Stratton Wood, with the main entrance accessed through the tarmacked car park located on Kingsdown Road (B4141), Upper Stratton, Swindon.
There is a good network of paths and rides throughout the site, including a 0.9km (0.6-mile) circular surfaced path which starts and ends at the car park and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. This connects with broad, flat rides and glades, two wildflower meadows and the public footpath network.
Other circular paths of varying lengths and routes also connect to the wider public footpath network; these are unsurfaced and may be narrow and muddy in places after heavy rain. The site is very flat and the paths are cut regularly to ease visitor access.
There is a free onsite carpark which is entirely surfaced with tarmac and has provision for approximately 20–25 cars.
The nearest toilets are at the Swindon Garden Centre, 1.6km (1 mile) from the Stratton Wood car park entrance. These have a parent/baby room.
There are also toilets at Stanton Park, with disabled facilities and a baby changing unit, approximately 2.4km (1.5 miles) from Stratton Wood car park.
Public toilets are available 8km (5 miles) away in Swindon. They are situated on Chapel Street, Gorse Hill, and include facilities for the disabled user. However, there are also facilities for customers at local pubs and cafes, which are closer.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
The wildflower meadows are home to skylarks as well as host to bees, butterflies and moths; while birds such as woodpeckers, goldfinches, blue tits and robins can be found throughout the woodland. Look out for the other wildlife on-site, such as bats and deer.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
Stratton Wood has a good mix of native broadleaved trees and shrubs. Older trees can be found in the mature hedges in and around the site including large ash and willow. An area of fruit trees was planted in 2013 on the eastern side of the site and includes traditional Wiltshire apple varieties along with pear, quince, cherry and plum.
Look out for:
Habitats
Stratton Wood has grown into vibrant young woodland which provides visitors and wildlife with a range of habitats such as wildflower meadows, damp margins, young native woodland and mature trees and hedges.
These differing areas complement each other and provide a vital habitat for local wildlife.
Explore:
About Stratton Wood
History
Before we acquired the site in 1994, the land was used as arable farmland and the old field layout can still be seen from the mature hedgerows in and around the wood. With the help of volunteers, the area was planted as part of the Great Western Community Forest Project and has matured into 54 hectares of native broadleaf woodland, meadows, and seasonal ponds.
The site also has four archaeological areas – an undated rectangular enclosure, a circular enclosure of possible medieval origin, and linear features indicating a small settlement of indeterminate age - all now protected under permanent grassland such as meadows, rides and glades.
Dedicate at this wood
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedicationThings to do in Stratton Wood
As well as walking, there is the opportunity to get involved with volunteering, activities, and events.
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
Events
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Visiting woods
Things to do in the woods
Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season.
