Crackley Wood

Crackley Wood Bluebells

Sue Steward, New Leaf images 

This ancient woodland is a popular local nature reserve. Stroll through a network of shady paths and open glades spotting wildlife.

Location

Just north of Kenilworth, on Crackley Lane just off A429.
What3Words: nest.gender.branch or ozone.fonts.pints
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 2JS

OS Map Reference

SP 29040 73597 or SP 28772 73749
A static map of Crackley Wood

Know before you go

Size
14 hectares
P

Parking information

Car parking at several points on Crackley Lane

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

Splendid strolls through a network of shady paths and grassy, open glades.

Access

There is a flat, circular path round the reserve.

Dogs

Under effective control

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to November

About the reserve

Years ago this wood was coppiced but this was abandoned during the last century and sweet chestnut, sycamores and conifers were introduced. There are lots of grand oak trees and silver birch plus some ash and beech alongside.  Visit in May to enjoy the spectacular blanket of bluebells dotted with delicate wood anemone, yellow pimpernel and common dog-violet. The soils here are acidic, sandy and clay which suits wood sage, foxglove and bracken. In the damper corners you'll spot golden-saxifrage.  

What is there to do here?

  • Admire the carpet of spring bluebells
  • Enjoy your autumn visit when you'll walk under a canopy of vibrant autumn colour 
  • Look down too and spot fungi like tawny grisette, dog stinkhorn and beefsteak fungus
  • If you're an invertebrates expert come to spot rare and nationally uncommon sawfly and three notable hoverfly species

Thanks to Warwick District Council for funding the brass rubbing trail here. If you enjoyed it try the trails at Kenilworth Common and Oakley Wood. 

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Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 02476 302912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

Location map