New Forest Woods has woodland and open fields with several ponds and a Beck waterway running around it. It makes for a nice quiet walk in nature that is both well kept and left to grow wild.
Of the woodland area, 20% is ancient semi-natural woodland, which means that it has remained wooded since around 1600 AD.
The Plantations is a multi-functional woodland area located to the south of the New Forest Village housing estate that is regularly used by local residents walking their dogs, riding their bikes or going for a stroll.
Location Details
- New Forest Woods, 2 laurels, 2 The Laurels, Leeds LS10 4FJGoogle Map Directions
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Things to Note
New Forest Woods has the following on-site or nearby:
- Dog Waste Bins
- Nearby Food & Drink
- Nearby Parking
- Nearby Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
Location
New Forest Woods is located to the west of Robin Hood next to the M1 motorway. Robin Hood is a village on the Leeds and Wakefield boundary close to neighbouring Rothwell.
The woodland, which includes over 9,000 trees and two balancing ponds, has been designed to incorporate footpaths, bridleways and multiple access points for the local community to use and enjoy.
In 2009 Leeds City Council, with funding from the Forestry Commission, started developing this woodland to provide an important green ‘jigsaw’, linking natural areas in south Leeds together.
Things to Do
Walking-Running
There is a 2-kilometre pathed loop that loops around the woodland area. This makes an ideal 30-minute gentle walk or a more vigorous 15-minute run. Or why not mix it up with a bit of running and walking together – ideal for anyone new to running!
Bike Trail
Between the woodland of New Forest Woods and the wooded area of New Forest Plantation there is a trail that travels through the woods and open spaces. It makes for a nice out and back ride on the bike of about 2-miles. And if you want to go further you can extend it to Middleton Park.
Bird Watching
The 2-ponds and the Throstle Carr Beck attract quite a few different bird species including coots and herons. Within the wooded area you’re more likely to spot birds like the chaffinch, chiffchaff and the regal robin.
New Forest Plantation
The New Forest Plantation is a mass of woodland – over 9,000 trees – and 2-ponds that is the centre piece of the New Forest Woods. This area has been developed to connect footpaths, bridleways and access points for the community to enjoy.
Picnic
With plenty of covered and open space areas in the New Forest Woodland area; take a picnic and pitch up in the shade or out in the sun. The nearest supermarket for supplies is in Middleton.
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History
In 2009 Leeds City Council secured funding from the Forestry Commission began developing the New Forest woodland to begin linking green spaces together in the south of Leeds.
The name Robin Hood originally comes from an underground spring feeding the local streams in the area, including the Beck. It is believed that a ceremonious of well-dressing and a country dance called Robin Hood was performed by the spring well.
The area also has a suspected link to the peoples’ folk hero – Robin Hood. Original legends mention the ‘Outwoods’ which could be the Outwood area of Wakefield nearby. And many a Robin Hood fable talks of him robbing from the rich in and around Barnsdale Forest, also in the Wakefield area.
Amenities
The nearest toilet is a couple of minutes away in the car at the Halfway-Robin Hood pub – take the A654 route to safely cross under the M1.
There are bins on the public pathway routes in the New Forest Woods.
Food and Drink
Robin Hood Fisheries is a 10-minute walk from the centre of the New Forest Woods. You’ve got all your fried favourites on offer for a takeaway chip supper.
Parking
Park for free on the residential road of Badminton Drive, Postcode: LS10 4UN (Google Map Directions).
Walk into New Forest Woods through the public footpath access at the end of the drive.
Access
Recent developments to the New Forest area has ensured that the main pathways are big and wide, and easy for everyone to use.
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