NATURE reserves which are considered to be of particular significance are designated National Nature Reserves by English Nature. Chaddesley Wood is one of only four National Nature Reserves in Worcestershire.

It is part of a group of contiguous woods which together form the largest block of woodland in Worcestershire, outside Wyre Forest.

Formerly managed by English Nature, and now by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Chaddesley Wood covers 105 hectares, making it one of the largest of the 70 reserves cared for by the Trust.

It is regarded as a fine example of lowland English oakwood, with small numbers of other tree species also present, including hazel, holly and rowan.

There are also some small-leaved lime and wild service trees, indicating that it is ancient woodland. Some of it may have been wooded since the end of the last Ice Age around 15,000 years ago.

Parts of the wood were planted with conifers in the mid-20th Century, but these are gradually being removed.

A system of paths and glades is maintained, both to facilitate access and to suit species which require more open conditions.

Some of the paths are rights of way, while others are permissive, which means we can use them as long as the landowner permits it, but we have no statutory right to do so and permission may be withdrawn at any time.

The walk has been designed to include as many of the paths in Chaddesley Wood as possible, without the need to retrace your steps at all.

However, you can easily adjust the route to meet your own requirements, perhaps avoiding the hilly bits if you wish. The paths are shown clearly on maps displayed at several points within the wood.

Please note that if you have a dog with you it should be kept on a lead within the nature reserve.

The walk also provides views of Barrow Hill, a small but prominent tree-crowned knoll north of Chaddesley Wood. The trees are growing on a tumulus, or prehistoric burial mound - which is what the name Barrow actually means.

Though visible from a distance, only glimpses are possible once you get close to the hill, which is surrounded by unusually high hedges.

There is a gate at one point, which allows a better view, though it is defended with enough barbed wire, chains and padlocks to stop a tank regiment.

Fortunately, there is a much friendlier feel throughout the rest of this enjoyable walk in a lovely part of the county.

DIRECTIONS

n Walk north along the main street then fork left on The Holloway - there is no visible nameplate but it's just before a sign for Briar Hill. Ignore branching footpaths, keep straight on at a crossroads, then turn right on a bridleway just after Woodhouse Farm. You'll soon see Barrow Hill ahead.

Follow the bridleway to another lane, cross to a footpath almost opposite and walk along the left-hand edge of a field to a stile in the corner.

Go straight across another field then turn right on a track for a few metres until you can join a track on your left. Turn right at a T-junction then go through a gap in the hedge soon after passing a prominent oak tree.

Turn right along the edge of a young wood, and right again at a lane. Pass a gate (which allows a view of Barrow Hill), keep straight on at a road junction then turn right on a bridleway which skirts Barrow Hill then passes a farm before arriving at a junction. Turn left to a lane and then left again.

Keep straight on at all junctions and before long you will find the lane is bordered by woodland on both sides. Chaddesley Wood is on your right.

You'll soon see an access point to the wood. There is a well-trodden path, but also two notices with conflicting messages. One proclaims 'Private - no access' while the other advises only 'No horses or bikes'. To clarify the situation, it's worth quoting a notice at the main entrance, which states 'Visitors are welcome to use any of the paths and rides in the wood except where they may have been closed off'.

If you choose the first path, you will find it eventually joins the main path (see map). If you prefer to leave the lane on the main path (which is much less muddy) just continue for another 350m to the main entrance.

Assuming you do use the main path, follow it for 400m then turn left at a post marked 'nature trail'. Climb to the woodland edge and turn right. Keep straight on at the next two junctions (waymarked), then right at a third junction (no waymark).

Pass through a conifer plantation to reach a large beech tree disfigured by daubs of yellow paint. Turn left just beyond the beech, into birch woodland. As you approach the far side of the wood keep your eyes open for an easily missed path on the left which climbs to a junction where you turn right.

Descending to another junction, turn right again, soon leaving the wood. Follow a well-trodden path across fields to Chaddesley Corbett.

FACTFILE

Start: Chaddesley Corbett, off A448 between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove; grid ref SO892736.

Length: 51/2 miles/8.8km.

Maps: OS Explorer 219, OS Landranger 139.

Terrain: Woodland, farmland, quiet lanes. Very muddy. Mainly flat, with a few very gentle slopes.

Footpaths: Mostly excellent, with room for improvement in places, but no problems.

Stiles: Three.

Parking: Chaddesley Corbett (or by entrance to Chaddesley Wood).

Buses: Daily X33 Kidderminster-Bromsgrove-Redditch service to Chaddesley Corbett. Connections via 300/303 (daily) to Kidderminster, 144 (daily) to Bromsgrove or 350 (Mon-Sat) to Redditch; Traveline 0870 608 2608 or www.traveline.org.uk

Refreshments: Chaddesley Corbett.

PLEASE NOTE This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by author or publisher for any errors or omissions, or for any loss, accident or injury, however caused.

PLEASE NOTE This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by author or publisher for any errors or omissions, or for any loss, accident or injury, however caused.