The Mersey Forest Team's favourite woodland walks

Where should you walk this weekend? Our team - who spend a lot of time in local green spaces - share their recommendations for a great woodland walk:

Paul Nolan, Director, recommends Mill Wood, Speke:

Mill Wood, Speke


"In Mill Wood, you're just minutes from the airport and surrounded by industry but this ancient semi natural woodland survives and thrives! The award winning community group Friends of Mill Wood and Alderwood have been caring for the wood for many years and that effort has really paid off."

It's one of only two sites in the Liverpool area classified as ancient woodland so is one of the area's most valuable natural assets. The Trans-Pennine Trail passes the woodlands if you want to explore on further to the banks of the Mersey. 

Mill Wood, Speke

Carl Smethurst, Resource Development Manager, recommends Sefton Coast Woodlands:

Formby woods


"What could be better than treading soft pine needles and sand underfoot, breathing in sea air fresh with the scent of resin, listening to the wind swaying the tree-tops and glimpsing red squirrels scurrying between the flaky-barked trunks of tall trees? And all with the lure of dunes and beach just a stones-throw away! The coastal woodlands are like nowhere else – a unique landscape and a treat for the senses..."

We're really proud of what's been achieved in the Sefton coastal woodlands over the past 15 years. 

Sefton Coast Woodlands

Clare Olver, Project Development Officer, recommends Lodge Wood, Dutton, Cheshire:

Lodge Wood

"I love Lodge Wood in the Spring with the bluebells in full colour. The scent is wonderful and as the path winds through the woodland you feel really close to nature. It's amazing to think that the wood has been there before 1600s and has given so much pleasure over the centuries."

The Delamere Way runs through this small strip of ancient woodland, and you could also expand your walk to take in nearby Longacre Wood and the towpath of the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Lodge Wood

Suzanne Londra, Nature4Health Officer, recommends Griffin Wood:



Griffin Wood is a new woodland in The Mersey Forest that's growing up fast. It's only just over a decade old but has already become a much loved place for a stroll. If you fancy a challenge, try our seven mile Bold Forest Loop walk which passes through the site.

Griffin Wood

Ben Greenaway, Green Streets Coordinator, recommends Hob Hey Wood, Frodsham:

Hob Hey Woods

Also known as 'Hobby Woods' and one of Frodsham's lesser known beauty spots. Ben has been busy working with local volunteers to manage and conserve this beautiful ancient woodland, which is easily accessible from the town. 

Hob Hey Wood


Formby woodland image: McCoy Wynne
Hob Hey Wood image: Dave Dunford
 
Enter now