Bradfield Woods

This National Nature Reserve near Bury St Edmunds is one of the best places in Suffolk for wildlife. There's nice walking trails taking you through the woods to a lovely lake with a bird hide.... Birds in the woods include garden warbler, blackcap and willow warbler. Other wildlife to look out for includes a variety of butterflies and deer in the adjacent fields.
There's also lots of interesting flora with over 370 plant species. Woodland flowers include bluebells, oxlip, herb paris and ramson (wild garlic).
There's three trails to try in the reserve. These will take you around the reserve and into the adjacent Monkspark Woods.
To continue your walking in the are you can head west towards Stanningfield and pick up the long distance St Edmund Way.
Following it north will take you into Bury St Edmunds where you can visit the delightful Abbey Gardens.
Postcode: IP30 0AQ
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A few miles to the east is the attractive town of Stowmarket where you can enjoy a lovely riverside walk along the Gipping Valley River Path.
To the north east there's Haughley Park where you can enjoy bluebell walks around the historic 17th century estate.
Just to the west is the Whelnetham Railway Walk along the old Long Melford–Bury St Edmunds branch line.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Suffolk Walks page.

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Nearby Routes

St Edmund Way Bury St Edmunds Stowmarket Haughley Park Whelnetham Railway Walk

Photos

Path through Bradfield Woods

Bradfield Woods is a National Nature Reserve, managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. These are one of the finest coppiced woodlands in the country. Coppicing is an ancient method of harvesting timber which also creates a rich and varied habitat for wildlife.

Field and woodland edge. Looking towards Felsham in the distance.

Coppicing in progress. The wood is managed on a 25 year coppice cycle. This was taken during a tea break, hence no people actually working! All the wood cut is used to make products from logs to thatching pegs which are sold to help the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. It is estimated that the wood has been continually under coppice management for at least 300 years.

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