Oaken Wood is a mixture of mature trees, coppice, scrub and grassland on clay soil.
Features
This 12 hectares (30 acres) reserve is part of the Forestry Commission's (FC) 324 ha Chiddingfold Forest.
Directions
Enter via a track off west side of Plaistow Road, 2.6km south of Dunsfold. Burntwood Kennels is almost opposite on the east side.
Postcode: GU8 4PG Grid Reference: SU993338 O.S. Map: 186
Parking is limited to the roadside entrance - which must never be blocked.
The Botany Bay (western) entrance to Chiddingfold Forest is off High Street Green at SU978348, nearest postcode GU8 4YA. Parking here is slightly easier - but beware of roadside ditches! Oaken Wood is 2.5km to the east.
Site access and safety
Pathways are clear and generally level where they follow the main rides, but can be difficult after rain. The entrance is across a small ditch with a narrow bridge.
Most ticks are little more than an irritation, but a few can transmit Lyme disease, a rare and potentially serious illness which is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early. It is therefore important to be informed and take some simple precautions.
