Box Wood

Sunlit Box Wood

Box Wood (c) Nathan Millar 

Box Wood

Towering beech trees create the tranquil atmosphere, tucked away in a valley close to Box Village.

Location

Minchinhampton
Stroud
The nearest postcode is GL6 9HD

OS Map Reference

ST860998
What3Words: impressed.snapped.molars
A static map of Box Wood

Know before you go

Size
10 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

Parking available on roads around the village of Box
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Grazing animals

None
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Walking trails

There are numerous trails within Box Wood, or larger loops can link into Minchinhampton Common, or a circular route with neighbouring reserve Stuart Fawkes

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Access

There are six pedestrian access points found at various points around the Wood.

Some of the slopes within Box Wood can become slippery and boggy after rainfall.

Dogs

image/svg+xmlDogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open access throughout the year

Best time to visit

Late spring and summer

About the reserve

Box Wood is tucked away on the edge of the village of Box. Its beech trees are complemented by areas of hazel and box, making it an ideal habitat for the elusive hazel dormouse. The nature reserve supports more than 450 different species, some 58 of which are protected. In spring the woodland is filled with flowers, including anemones, bluebells, herb-Paris and wild garlic. These are followed by bird’s-nest orchids among the beech trees, and common spotted and early purple orchids in the glades. In summer the reserve is visited by woodland butterflies, including the silver-washed fritillary. Great spotted woodpeckers and tawny owls can be heard in the small block of oak trees, while nuthatches and tree creepers can be seen scaling tree trunks. There are several limestone streams running down to an area of wet ground that was once a pond. 

The residents of Box village purchased their local woodland in 2017, which is now managed by GWT with the help of volunteers. The woodland is being managed by reintroducing coppicing, creating open areas of grassland (glades) and clearing invasive species.

Location map

More detailed directions

Access is from Box or Minchinhampton, via Box Lane. From Box, turn right off Box Lane down a small farm track at the sharp turn left shortly after St Barnabas' Church. Head south-west on Box Lane and then turn right onto Common Road. You can find parking on the left.

Looking after woodland wildflowers

We'd like everyone to be able to enjoy the woodland wildflowers like wild garlic and bluebells for generations to come, by sticking to the paths you are ensuring the spectacle will be there for future generations.

You are welcome to take your dog off their lead in places, but please do be mindful of other visitors and the wildflowers in spring.